Dame Esther Rantzen pays tribute to BBC star Chris Serle

Tributes have been paid to the “humorous, intelligent and charming” former BBC presenter Chris Serle, who has died aged 81.

The household of the radio and TV presenter, who labored on programmes all through the 80s and 90s, confirmed his loss of life on Monday.

Serle, who was born and raised in Bristol, rose to fame on satirical shopper affairs present That is Life! alongside Dame Esther Rantzen.

She mentioned: “I’m so very unhappy to listen to that Chris Serle, considered one of our greatest liked That is Life! reporters, has died.”

Dame Esther continued: “He was as good off digicam as he was within the studio on digicam – humorous, intelligent, charming, a really versatile presenter.

“Once I first met him he was a producer, however it was clear that he had all of the attributes of the very best reporters.

“Viewers and listeners of That is Life! and the various different radio and tv programmes he introduced will probably be equally unhappy.”

Dame Esther despatched her “deepest sympathy” to his family and friends.

Slapstick Competition additionally shared their sorrow on the star’s loss of life in a put up on X [formerly Twitter] which mentioned: “It’s with deep disappointment that we heard of the passing of Chris Serle, the beloved BBC tv and radio presenter.

“For 20 years Chris was tireless supporter of Slapstick Competition and a a lot liked buddy. He will probably be sorely missed.”

Throughout his profession, Serle labored on standard programmes corresponding to In on the Deep Finish and because the long-time host of Factors of View.

He additionally chaired Radio 4’s Decide of the Week and was the host of a long-running afternoon present on BBC Radio Bristol.

In an announcement launched by his household, they mentioned he was a “acquainted and cherished determine on British tv screens all through the Nineteen Seventies and Nineteen Eighties”.

Serle is survived by his spouse Ali and their three youngsters, alongside two youngsters from a earlier marriage.

His household mentioned funeral and memorial service particulars are being organized and will probably be shared in the end.