Broadcaster Ned Sherrin dies

Broadcaster, writer, producer and raconteur Ned Sherrin has died aged 76 after suffering from throat cancer.

Sherrin hosted BBC Radio 4's Loose Ends from its start in 1986 and went on to host the music quiz Counterpoint.

BBC director general Mark Thompson said: "I am deeply saddened by the news of the death of Ned Sherrin. Through his brilliant early work Ned was a trail blazer who paved the way for the sophisticated modern comedy satire shows that are so much loved by audiences today. His contribution across decades made him one of Britain's best loved voices."

Born in 1931 in Somerset, Sherrin went on to qualify as a barrister in 1955, but joined ATV immediately after as a producer in London and Birmingham. At the BBC in the late 1950s he directed and produced a range of variety shows, panel games and musicals. In 1962 he devised, produced and directed the BBC's iconic satire series That Was The Week That Was.

Since then he directed films, wrote plays, books and columns, and in 1997 was awarded the CBE in the New Year's Honours list.

Radio 4 controller Mark Damazer said: "Ned brought to Radio 4 a fabulous cocktail of wit, zest, curiosity and mischief – all based on an extraordinary knowledge of stage, screen and writing. Ned and Loose Ends introduced to Radio 4 an incredible array of talent. He was an impresario as well as a great raconteur. He was a natural broadcaster - and got the best out of others."

A special programme – Ned Sherrin: A Tribute – will be broadcast on Radio 4 tonight at 6.30pm.