TV-am colleagues of the late Jimmy Greaves have been paying tribute to him following his death on Sunday 19th September 2021. He was 81.
The former England and Tottenham striker was recruited by TV-am editor in chief Greg Dyke in May 1983 to be Good Morning Britain’s TV pundit. His first appearance on GMB was with presenters Nick Owen and Lynda Berry. Greaves remained with TV-am for almost a decade and appeared on the very last transmission on 31st December 1992.
At TV-am Jimmy Greaves often appeared on the sofa twice a week and was loved for his wit and sense of humour on and off the screen. In 1986 he was asked to present a special week of ‘After Nine’ programmes celebrating the 1950s with guests including Kenneth Williams, Anne Shelton, Ruby Murray, Tommy Trinder, Claire Rayner and Michael Bentine.
In 1987 Jimmy famously ranted about weather forecasters blaming them for not predicting the devastating storm that hit the south and south east of England.
On Twitter presenter Nick Owen said: “Devastating news. Dear, dear Jimmy. What a great man and fantastic colleague…on TV-am. Shattering.”
Richard Keys commented: “So sad to hear the passing of Greavsie. He was funny, irreverent - a genius. He was a Messi before Messi was born. Sleep well Jim. You deserve the rest. I was honoured to know you.”
ITV’s Lorraine Kelly wrote: “Delight to work with - full of stories, never took it all too seriously and just like chatting to a pal - a kind and lovely man.”
Wacaday star Timmy Mallett said: “Thank you Jimmy Greaves for the big smiles and entertaining insights on Good Morning Britain. Always enjoyed sharing morning screens together.”
