14 September 2023 , 14:30
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Britain's Got Talent's director of production, Dean Jones, has died at the age of 56, it has been announced.
Dean tragically died on July 6 following a short battle with cancer, his loved ones have confirmed. His friends created a JustGiving page in honour of the late director and said that his death had been a "huge shock to all that knew him" but he had remained positive throughout his battle. Freemantle UK have since donated an eyewatering £5,000 and shared: "With lots of love from everyone at Fremantle. Dean was one of a kind who was loved by us all and we will miss him hugely."
His funeral was announced to family and close friends with his love ones asking those who knew Dean to make a donation rather than sending flowers. The CEO of Dean's production company Fremantle UK paid tribute to him, calling Dean a "master" of the industry.
CEO Amelia Brown said in a tribute: "Dean Jones was someone that everyone in our industry should aspire to be like. He was a master of our industry as well as a mentor, a supporter and a huge part of all our lives at Fremantle." She added: "He was effortless in what he did and achieved more in his day-to-day than anyone else I know in TV. He was the most intelligent and funny man, and he was the backbone to the shows that shaped our cultural landscape in entertainment.
"He was loved by us all and leaves a hole that is impossible to fill as well as a legacy where we will all try and be just a little bit ‘more Dean’. He will be hugely missed by us all every day."
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Over the course of his career, Dean was behind some of the biggest shows including Take Me Out and The X Factor. He originally started as a production assistant at the Noel Gay Theatre before later moving to Noel Gay Television. Having found a love for television, he went on to join Talbot Television.
Suzy Lamb, Dean's former colleague added: "Dean had this incredible flair for making you feel like the special one. He was the hardest-working, most dedicated, caring person I have ever worked with. Even when he was on holiday he answered emails quicker than anyone else. He was the master negotiator, with the ability to make you feel like you were winning even though he was and therefore so was the programme and ultimately the business.
"Dean had time for everyone whatever role they did, he knew everyone’s name. He was totally unique, with absolutely no ego. His encyclopedic memory for figures and budgets for series made years and years ago was mind-blowing. Anyone that had been to his office will have witnessed the most impeccable filing system you’d ever seen. As well as his professional support he became a loyal and trusted friend even when I’d left Fremantle. Most recently he text me to say that although he’d never been a fan of the Eurovision Song Contest he had made a point of watching it this year because it was my show. He always went the extra mile.
"As well as TV and of course his incredible husband Graham, Dean’s other passion … Chocolate! Occasionally I’d bribe him with treats to try and get what I wanted. There will never be another Dean. He was simply the best."