Tributes paid to TV host EJ

Tributes have been paid to EJ Osborne, the much-loved presenter of BBC daytime TV show Money For Nothing, following his death.

A post on Mr Osborne’s Instagram page said he spent the last three weeks of his life at Dorothy House hospice in Bradfordon-avon.

No official cause of death has been given for the 45-year-old.

The craftsman was best known for his work on Money For Nothing, a show in which dumped items are turned into valuable pieces.

Osborne’s co-star on the show, Sarah Moore, paid tribute on social media and said the team is “devastated” by the loss of a “fantastic, inspiring, chuckling and talented” presenter.

Alongside a picture of the pair (inset), she added: “He touched us deeply with his obvious lust for life, energy and commitment.

“Anne-marie, his wife, asks that we share our pictures so I’m posting this here as I think EJ looks so happy. Rest in peace and purple sequins my friend. See you on the other side.”

Sarah wrote: “All of the @monfornothing team were devastated to hear the news that the fantastic, inspiring, chuckling and talented member of our TV family @hatchetandbear has passed away.

“I join with all of the team, our artisans, production crew, directors, executives, viewers and friends in sending our love and respect to his family.” Carla-maria Lawson, head of BBC daytime and early-peak, said Osborne, who died on Monday, “lit up the screen”.

She said: “EJ was a brilliant talent who brought a wealth of expertise as an artisan and lit up the screen with his charm, likeability and warmth as a presenter.

“He will be hugely missed by us all at BBC Daytime and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.”