Jonathan James-Moore was 59

Jonathan James-Moore, BBC Radio’s former head light entertainment, has died aged 59.

During his reign from 1993 to 1998, he was responsible for such hits as The Million Pound Radio Show, Knowing Me, Knowing You with Alan Partridge and The League of Gentlemen

BBC radio chief Jenny Abramsky said: ‘If you ever had a meeting with Jonathan you knew it would be a laugh. He was an absolutely lovely man, terrific fun.’

 ‘I will miss seeing that huge galumphing figure with the mass of red hair wandering down the road. He was a real human being who didn't shut himself away.

‘He cared about radio as a medium and was interested in all aspects of it."

Jon Plowman, the BBC’s head of comedy, said: "This is a very sad moment. Jonathan James-Moore was always a larger than life character with a real love of comedy and a very good eye for spotting new talent.

‘Many of today's mainstream comedy artists passed through his hands and tutelage. He was a huge asset to BBC Radio and to the whole comedy community. He will be sadly missed.’

Moore was in the 1968 Cambridge Footlights troupe alongside Clive James and Radio 2 presenter Russell Davies.

He joined the BBC in 1978 where he moved into Douglas Adams's office and worked as a producer and script editor before becoming  Head of Light Entertainment.

Published: 23 Nov 2005