Sir Tom Jones, 84, pens heartfelt tribute to ‘talented’ and ‘wonderful’ close pal after their death as he shares statement
Singing legend Tom Jones, 84, has paid a heartfelt tribute to the late BBC boss Alan Yentob, who died over the weekend.
BBC executive and television presenter Yentob died at 78, his family confirmed on Sunday. During his BBC career, he had also been head of music and art at the broadcaster.
She’s A Lady hitmaker Jones took to social media on Monday to share his sorrow over the loss.
Posting to his Instagram Story, the singer shared: “The very sad loss of Alan Yentob is immeasurable. What a talented, knowledgeable, instinctive and wonderful man.
“He opened unexpected doors for me for which I am forever grateful. A true rarity in the creative world, the likes of which will not be seen again.”
He ended the reflective tribute: “Rest in peace Alan, you will be missed, Tom Jones”.
News of Yentob’s death came on Sunday, when his wife Philippa Walker broke the news, sharing: “For Jacob, Bella and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, and he was exciting.
“He was curious, funny, annoying, late, and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide.”
While at BBC Two, Yentob was widely credited with revitalising the channel, commissioning a range of successful programmes including Absolutely Fabulous, starring Jennifer Saunders and Dame Joanna Lumley, arts series The Late Show, and Have I Got News For You, which later moved to BBC One.
He also played a pivotal role in launching children’s networks CBBC and CBeebies. His drama commissions included adaptations such as Middlemarch, Pride and Prejudice, and Ballykissangel.
His drama commissions included adaptations such as Middlemarch and Pride and Prejudice, as well as Ballykissangel.
Yentob also made the decision to cancel the Spanish-set soap Eldorado in 1993. In addition to his commissioning work, he edited and presented the long-running arts documentary series Imagine from 2003.
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Paying tribute, the BBC’s director-general Tim Davie, described Yentob as “a towering figure in British broadcasting and the arts”.
He went on to state the presenter was also “a creative force and a cultural visionary, he shaped decades of programming at the BBC and beyond, with a passion for storytelling and public service that leaves a lasting legacy.”
The lengthy tribute continued: “For nearly 60 years, Alan championed originality, risk-taking, and artistic ambition.
“From Arena to Imagine, from commissioning groundbreaking drama to giving emerging voices a platform, his influence is woven into the fabric of British cultural life.
“He believed profoundly in the BBC’s role as a home for creativity, curiosity and the arts – accessible to all.”
Several other famous faces also shared their own tributes, including former Top Gear presenter Jeremy Clarkson.
The 65-year-old expressed his admiration for the documentary maker despite noting Yentob had been the one to “end my career at Top Gear”.
Writing on X, Clarkson penned: “Alan Yentob is the guy who called to end my career at Top Gear. He knew what had really gone on, though, and two days later, we had dinner. Great man. Loved and understood television. My love to Philippa.”