Sir Tom Jones pays heartfelt tribute to 'wonderful man' after beloved BBC star dies

Sir Tom Jones has paid a poignant homage to the legendary executive and television presenter Alan Yentob, who . The TV icon's family shared the sad news on Sunday with an heartfelt statement, announcing that Alan had died at the age of 78.

The 'Delilah' singer, 84, turned to social media to pay tribute to the "talented and knowledgeable" Alan. Posting to , Tom wrote: "The very sad loss of Alan Yentob is immeasurable. What a talented, knowledgeable, instinctive and wonderful man. He opened unexpected doors for me for which I am forever grateful. A true rarity in the creative , the likes of which will not be seen again."

He concluded with the words: "Rest in peace Alan, you will be missed, Tom Jones". In the past, Tom made an appearance on Alan's prominent BBC Two programme 'Imagine', where, in a sincere exchange in 2010, the interviewer delved into the crooner's life story, reports .

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Tom spoke about his rise from his modest roots as a miner's son in South Wales to his emergence as an international singing sensation and a symbol of virility.

During his illustrious career, Alan depicted and chatted with a plethora of significant figures in culture and creativity for television series including 'Omnibus', 'Arena', and 'Imagine', featuring personalities such as David Bowie, Charles Saatchi, Maya Angelou, and Grayson Perry.

His roles extended to being in charge of both BBC One and Two, as well as fulfilling duties as the corporation's creative director and head of music and arts.

Alan's bereaved spouse, Philippa Walker, announced his passing, revealing: "For Jacob, Bella and I, every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, and he was exciting.

"He was curious, funny, annoying, late, and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide."

to her former BBC colleague Alan, writing: "We've lost a tip top chap. Our advocate from the start... Alan Yentob."

Alan's wife Philippa said in a statement at the weekend: "For [our children] Jacob, Bella and I every day with Alan held the promise of something unexpected. Our life was exciting, he was exciting. He was curious, funny, annoying, late and creative in every cell of his body. But more than that, he was the kindest of men and a profoundly moral man. He leaves in his wake a trail of love a mile wide."

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