in

The Chase and Strictly director Stuart McDonald dies in car crash

Stuart McDonald, who was an expert director behind shows like The Chase and Strictly Come Dancing, has died in a car accident.

The BBC boss died in a car crash in the early hours of Tuesday morning, with tributes flooding in from across the television industry.

David Prever broke the news live on air on BBC Radio Oxford on Wednesday morning, telling listeners: “I woke to some really upsetting news this morning that the man who gave me my break doing this 40 years ago — I was 12 years old — died yesterday.

“I doubt you would have known him but I guarantee you will have seen his work over the years.

McDonald was described as a “loyal” and “talented” man
(Image: LinkedIn)

“His name is Stuart McDonald. He worked for many years as Senior Director of the BBC and he was responsible for pretty much most of the light Entertainment Television while I was growing up; Parkinson, Top of the Pops, all of the audience with shows, all of the Royal Variety shows and the National Lottery for years.

“It was his name there saying cue Terry, cue Gabby, cue Lenny, and all of those things. And right up to date with The Chase, Pointless and so many other shows.”

As well as directing shows like The Chase, McDonald voiced the hit show Robot Wars throughout the first seven series, as well as Robot Wars Extreme.

Broadcaster Richard Woolfe paid tribute to his late friend on Twitter
(Image: Twitter)

Elsewhere in his impressive portfolio, McDonald worked behind-the-scenes on Top of the Pops, which came to an end in 2006.

Broadcaster Richard Woolfe announced the news on Twitter, remembering the late director as a “loyal” and “talented” man.

He wrote: “I’m absolutely heartbroken that my wonderful Stuey – Stuart McDonald died today in a car crash.

“He was a great friend and an exceptional kind loyal talented telly loving director.

“My Stuey, sort out the Gallery in Heaven now. Your Ricky.”

Like what you see? Then fill your boots…

There’s MUCH more where that came from! Want all the jaw-dropping stories from the world of showbiz and up to the minute news from TV and soaps?

Well, we’ve got you covered with our showbiz, TV and soaps newsletters – they’ll drop straight into your inbox and you can unsubscribe whenever you like.

We’ll bring you the inside track from telly expert Ed Gleave and soap specialist Sasha Morris. Oh, and your daily fix of Piers, Katie Price, Demi Rose and all your other Daily Star favs.

You can sign up here – you won’t regret it…

Presenting duo Dick and Dom also remembered their friend, describing McDonald’s professionalism behind the scenes on set.

They wrote: “We were so lucky to have worked under his gentle command. Heart goes out to you and his loved ones.”

Comedian Justin Lee Collins similarly paid tribute, writing: “He really was one of the good guys. An exceptionally lovely human being. I’m so sorry.”

Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk


Tagcloud:

Jimmie Allen and Gabby Barrett Are ACM's Best New Artists of the Year

Line of Duty blunder confirms famous actor joining cast as BBC 'launch probe'