Death of DJ David Jacobs at 87

Jacobs became a household name with his relaxed presentation of such peak-time radio and TV programmes as Juke Box Jury and Pick Of The Pops, What’s My Line? and Any Questions?

He stepped down from his weekly Radio 2 programme last month because of ill health.

A BBC spokesman said Jacobs died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.

Bob Shennan, controller of BBC Radio 2, 6 Music, Asian Network and popular music, said: “David was a legend in broadcasting, not only for the Radio 2 audience, but for the whole population. He was a true giant of the BBC, whose career spanned seven decades on radio and television.

“His broadcast hallmarks were great taste, authority and warmth. I am sure his audience will feel they have lost a friend, as we all do here at Radio 2.”

Helen Boaden, controller of BBC Radio, said: “From Jukebox Jury to Melodies For You on Radio 2, David’s effortless presenting style belied his consummate professionalism.”

Tony Hall, director general of the BBC, said: “I’m very sad indeed to hear the news about David.

“As a young and avid viewer of Juke Box Jury, I remember him every week scoring the hits and misses. And I was still listening to him just last month as he fronted his show The David Jacobs Collection on Radio 2.

“He was one of the great broadcast personalities, and we shall all miss him tremendously.”

Disc jockey Tony Blackburn said on Twitter: “Very sad to hear that David Jacobs has passed away, another great broadcaster no longer with us. I’m proud to have known him. RIP David.”

TV and radio personality Zoe Ball tweeted: “Dear David Jacobs has passed away. One of my all time favourite broadcasters. ThankYouForTheMusic RIP dear chap.”

Music presenter Bob Harris told followers: “So very sad to hear the news about David Jacobs, my friend and mentor. He gave me my first-ever mention on the radio on my 15th birthday.”

It was announced in July that Jacobs would step down from his Radio 2 show, which he had hosted for 16 years, after a final edition on August 4.

Jacobs’s life was tinged with tragedy. His only son, Jeremy, was killed in an accident in Israel at the age of 19. And two years later his second wife, Caroline, was killed in a road accident in Spain, carrying their unborn child, only weeks after their marriage.

But he was a self-proclaimed “huge optimist” and he looked upon such calamities and also the occasional setback in his career as presenting him with new challenges for the future.

His mellifluous tones and intimate broadcasting style as a “classic” disc jockey and presenter were unmistakeable and unique.

He continued to have a massive following, even when his mix of Gershwin and Cole Porter seemed, to the younger generation, to be hopelessly dated.

His knowledge of light music and the entertainment business generally was probably unsurpassed.

David Lewis Jacobs was born on May 19 1926, and educated at Belmont College and the Strand School. His father was a fruit and vegetable importer but went bankrupt around the start of the Second World War.

Jacobs then had a series of jobs, including working on a farm and a salesman in a gentleman’s outfitters.

He joined the Royal Navy in 1944 and was posted to Sri Lanka, then known as Ceylon. It was at this stage in his life that he had his first experience on the airwaves, working in forces broadcasting and producing plays and comedy shows.

After leaving the Navy in 1947, he joined the BBC as a newsreader, but was sacked after giggling at a news item.

He went on to become a freelance disc jockey and radio actor. He hosted the television favourite Juke Box Jury - he described himself as “the hottest property on TV” - and the popular radio show Any Questions?

He once modestly admitted that he felt “intellectually inferior” to many of the people who appeared on that programme.

His broadcasting career took off in a big way and he made appearances on many of the most popular shows, both on radio and television.

These included royal command performances, Blankety Blank, The Frank Sinatra Show, Come Dancing, Pick Of The Pops, Miss World, What’s My Line? and many more.

He was awarded the CBE in 1996 for services to broadcasting and for charitable services. These included work for cancer charities and alcohol advice groups.

Jacobs married Patricia Bradlaw in 1949. There were three daughters and the son Jeremy, who died after being hit by a lorry in 1973. This marriage was dissolved in 1972.

After his second wife Caroline died, he married Lindsay Stuart-Hutcheson in 1979.

He is survived by his three daughters from his first marriage.