GB Information star Camilla Tominey has paid emotional tribute to her “expensive good friend and mentor” Martin Townsend following the veteran journalist’s loss of life, calling him an enormous of the trade and somebody she “liked a lot and can miss terribly.” The much-loved broadcaster and columnist took to social media with a deeply private assertion after studying of Townsend’s passing. A former Sunday Categorical editor with greater than 4 a long time within the newsroom trenches, Martin was broadly revered for his fearless journalism, unmatched intuition for a scoop, and larger-than-life persona.

He died earlier this month aged 65 of pancreatic most cancers. Camilla didn’t maintain again in her reward: “Journalism has misplaced an enormous and a gentleman. I’ve misplaced a pricey good friend and mentor, to whom I owe a lot.” Describing his impression on the media world, she added: “Those that knew Martin Townsend will bear in mind him as a artistic genius, a maverick editor, and an unparalleled scoop-getter.” And it wasn’t simply his nostril for information that left a mark.

“He additionally wrote like a dream. He cared deeply about his readers and at all times had the braveness of his convictions,” she stated.

Camilla went on to focus on Martin’s lasting affect, particularly in areas many journalists wouldn’t dare enterprise into on the time:
“He championed higher psychological well being earlier than it was modern and wrote an unbelievable guide about his late father, which received a @MindCharity award.”

The guide in query, The Father I Had, supplied a uncooked and highly effective account of his expertise rising up with a father affected by bipolar dysfunction.

It earned essential acclaim and helped spark essential conversations lengthy earlier than such matters grew to become mainstream.

She additionally mirrored on the private aspect of the person behind the headlines: “He was a formidable expertise spotter who nurtured extra careers than he ever cared to say.

“There’s nothing he didn’t find out about music. He learn numerous books, watched an unlimited quantity of telly and drank countless cups of tea, the document participant at all times on within the background.”

Martin, she recalled fondly, had a love of “ties, fountain pens, leather-based brogues, and naturally @ChelseaFC,” and was, in her phrases, “one of many funniest folks I’ve ever met.”

Camilla ended her tribute with a uncooked, heartfelt farewell: “I’m so grateful to have had him in my life and shared so many laughs. I liked him a lot and can miss him terribly. Thanks for all the pieces, MT. Relaxation in peace.”

Assist poured in from fellow journalists and followers alike, together with Martin’s spouse, author Jane O’Gorman, who replied: “Thanks on your pretty phrases Camilla. He adored you too and was so pleased with all the pieces you do xxx.”

One other commenter merely wrote: “Martin was a terrific man and an outstanding journalist,” whereas others echoed condolences, calling Camilla’s tribute “pretty” and “stunning.”

Martin Townsend’s profession included a powerful 17-year run as Editor of the Sunday Categorical, the place he broke main exclusives together with the primary experiences of Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle. He additionally beforehand helmed OK! Journal, and served as Showbusiness Editor at YOU Journal.