Former colleagues paid tribute to Jones’ professional skill and personal qualities, saying he will be a much-missed colleague and friend.
Fremantle UK CEO Amelia Brown said: “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. “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.
Suzy Lamb, former head of Thames and now managing director of BBC Studios, said: “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.All Star Family Fortunes