Tributes flow for David Jacobs

It was announced on Monday that the TV presenter and Radio 2 host had passed away at his home after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease and liver cancer.

Spanning seven decades, Mr Jacobs’ broadcasting career began with the Navy in 1944, before joining the team at the BBC in 1945.

Known for his relaxed demeanour and good humour, the peak-time radio host and TV presenter appeared in popular shows like ‘Juke Box Jury’, ‘Pick Of The Pops’, ‘What’s My Line?’ and ‘Any Questions?’

He stepped down from his weekly Radio 2 slot in August this year where he announced that he was being treated for the diseases.

A long-standing Patron of children’s charity, The Dame Vera Lynn Trust, Mr Jacobs became its vice-president in 2005.

A spokesperson for the Trust said: “We are very sad to hear the news that David Jacobs has passed away at the age of 87.

“David was one of Dame Vera Lynn’s closest friends and a staunch supporter of the Dame Vera Lynn Trust.

“He was a long-standing patron and became vice-president in 2005. He lived locally in Fittleworth near Pulborough, West Sussex.

“He will be greatly missed by everyone who knew him and our thoughts are with his family at this time.

“The Dame Vera Lynn Trust for Children with Cerebral Palsy is based in Five Oaks, near Billingshurst and works in partnership with families to educate the young child with motor learning difficulties.”

David was voted Britain’s Top Disc Jockey for six years in a row for the BBC and Radio Luxembourg.

In 1960 he was the Variety Club Of Great Britain TV Personality Of The Year and the BBC Radio Personality Of The Year in 1975.