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Reporter turned TV producer dies aged 67

A former regional journalist who went on to produce television shows after a foray into Fleet Street has died aged 67.

Brian Wesley, pictured below, worked on tabloids including The Sun and the Daily Star after receiving acclaim for an assignment undertaken while a reporter at the Sheffield Morning Telegraph in 1969.

Originally from the Manchester area, Brian (known as Wes) began his career in 1963 at the Eccles and Patricroft Journal, before moving to the Bolton News and the Express & Star, in Wolverhampton.

Following his move to the Morning Telegraph he was runner-up in 1969’s Young Journalist of the Year for a piece written while on assignment in Belfast.

Brian Wesley

While in Sheffield he met future wife Margaret, and the couple married in 1971.

In 1970 he began working on Fleet Street, which preceded a move to London Weekend Television.

At LWT he produced popular shows including Game for a Laugh, Child’s Play, Tell the Truth, and Surprise Surprise.

In 1989, he became the editor of BBC chat show Kilroy, and later worked on television in India.

Brian had suffered with kidney problems since 1998 and in later life he continued working on a freelance basis as well as dedicating himself to his many passions including football, cricket and railways.

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  • October 30, 2014 at 11:23 am
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    I was saddened to read about the death of Brian Wesley. We worked together for a short time when he moved to the Old Hill office of the Express & Star. Our paths soon diverged when I went to the Birmingham Mail and he departed for The Sun. His rapid rise to Fleet Street came as no surprise as he was a highly talented young journalist and well as being a lovely person. My wife and I attended his wedding and we visited the newlyweds in London. But – as so often happens – we drifted apart. If there’s a moral in Brian’s untimely death, it’s: Keep in touch with your old chums; you never know when it might be too late. I offer Margaret my sincerest condolences.

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