Magenta Devine Dead: Network 7 TV Presenter Dies, Aged 61
TV presenter Magenta Devine has died at the age of 61, her family have stated.
Magenta, real name Kim Taylor, was best-known for fronting Channel 4′s Network 7 in the late 80s and appearing in BBC Two’s Rough Guides to the World.
The BBC reports that her death came after a short period of illness, for which she was receiving treatment at a London hospital.
In the wake of her death, Magenta’s family have paid tribute, calling her “a talented writer and stylish on-screen presence who was greatly admired by her many friends and colleagues for her creativity and wit.”
Fans soon began sharing their tributes to Magenta, and praising her impact, online:
If you're under 40, you've no idea how influential Network 7 was as a piece of Sunday morning TV in the UK.
Pretty much everything you saw/heard on screen changed after that show.
'Yoof TV', in-yer-face graphics, fast-paced text, street-smart presenters like Magenta Devine.— Lee Thompson (@leethommo) March 6, 2019
Had the pleasure of meeting Magenta Devine at a charity do once. She was surprisingly down to earth, and VERY funny.
— Autobiography out NOW (@DaftLimmy) March 6, 2019
I've just heard that Magenta DeVine has died. I knew her slightly for a while and she was one of the funniest, most entertaining and lovely people I ever met.
— David Quantick (@quantick) March 6, 2019
Steve Strange & Magenta Devine at Billy's Club Meard Street 1979 Soho W1 By Nicola Tyson . One of the first people in TV and Media who encouraged Steve Strange to pursue his vision. RIP You were wonderful and obviously just DEVINE pic.twitter.com/XoWhG8TDPl
— Rusty Egan (@DJRustyEgan) March 6, 2019
So sad to hear about the passing of Magenta Devine. I was such a huge fan of hers during the 80s and 90s. She was a rare talent and totally engaging. #RIP #MagentaDevine pic.twitter.com/q46yRwRcvC
— Paul Murphy (@PaulFMRadio) March 6, 2019
Before turning her hand to TV, Magenta worked for Tony Brainsbury, a publicist for rock bands including Queen.
Her first television job was a spot hosting BBC Wales’ pop music show Juice and after spotting her on there, producer Janet Street Porter booked her for Network 7.
Magenta is survived by her father, two sisters and one brother.
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