BBC legend behind Dad's Army and The Two Ronnies dies as tributes pour in
BBC legend Sir Paul Fox, a key figure behind iconic shows such as Dad's Army and The Two Ronnies, has sadly passed away at the age of 98.
The broadcasting giant, who was instrumental in creating what is now referred to as the 'golden era' of television, has left a significant mark on UK television that won't be forgotten any time soon.
BBC Director General released a statement acknowledging Sir Paul's "towering career in television not just with the BBC but across the industry".
The BBC boss, announcing the sad news of Sir Paul's death, said: "Few people have had such a broad and lasting impact on the TV landscape, commissioning shows that audiences have loved for decades and still love."
"From Sports Personality of the Year and Panorama to the Two Ronnies, Dad's Army and Parkinson, his legacy is unmatched."
He ended the tribute saying: "He was one of the best TV executives from a golden era in television. He will be hugely missed."
Born in 1925, Sir Paul started his journey with the BBC in the 1950s, working as a newsreel scriptwriter before eventually becoming the editor of popular shows such as Sportsview and investigative news programme Panorama.
One of his standout contributions was conceiving the concept of BBC Sports Personality Of The Year, first presented to runner Sir Chris Chataway in 1954, who later took on the role of a Conservative MP.
Sir Paul, a pioneering figure in British television, was not only the founding editor of the iconic sports show Grandstand but also served as a controller of BBC One. His illustrious career saw him take the helm at Yorkshire TV, later known as ITV Yorkshire, from 1973 to 1988.
After an impactful tenure at Yorkshire TV, Sir Paul made his return to the BBC as managing director of network television before retiring in 1991, the same year he received a knighthood for his contributions to the television industry.
Post-retirement, he held prestigious positions such as chairman of the Racecourse Association and the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC), stepping down from both in the 1990s.
His leadership extended to being a former chairman of breakfast franchise consortium Daybreak TV and serving on the board of Thames Television.
The news of his passing prompted TV producer Richard Marson to honour him on Twitter, stating: "Sir Paul Fox deserved the overused term 'legend' - he was a broadcasting Titan. On a personal note, he contributed to several projects of mine - from the TV Centre doc to the biographies of Verity Lambert and Biddy Baxter. Razor sharp, acerbic, wise and kind."
Echoing the sentiment, an account proclaiming to be the "official Twitter channel of the Alexandra Palace Television Society" shared their condolences: "Very sorry to read Sir Paul Fox has died (27/10/1925 - 9/4/2024). Started working at @YourAllyPally, writing for TV Newsreel and later responsible for many firsts within television, such as Sportsview, Panorama and Grandstand. It was a pleasure to call him a friend."
Fans and colleagues have also made tributes. One former colleague took to Twitter to reminisce: "Sir Paul Fox has died at the age of 98. My favourite boss when he was the Managing Director at Yorkshire Television. He made that ITV company greater than it had ever been. As a former programme maker, (he put 'Grandstand' on TV) Paul Fox backed his producers. Former BBC DG."
Another shared a personal anecdote in response, saying: "I was his secretary for about a fortnight - Geoff Smith lent me to him when his was on holiday. He said I was the worst secretary he'd ever had (it's true my typing was shocking) but he liked me because I fed him gossip from the studio floor. A man with a twinkle in his eye."
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