The Last Leg’s Adam Hills and Charlie Pickering lead tributes to ‘hero’ Jono Coleman as Australian TV and radio legend dies aged 65

Coleman died in hospital surrounded by his family (Picture: John Stanton/WireImage)

After Australian TV and radio legend Jonathan ‘Jono’ Coleman has died aged 65, tributes have poured in for the late star from the likes of Adam Hills and Charlie Pickering.

The star died peacefully in hospital on Friday night, with his wife of 31 years Margot and children Oscar, 27, and Emily, 24, by his side.

He had been battling prostate cancer for four years.

Comedian Adam said Coleman had been one of his heroes, penning on Twitter: ‘RIP Jono Coleman. One of my early radio heroes, and one of the nicest people I ever met. I used to wake up to his voice back when radio alarm clocks were a thing. A ball of positive energy who scaled the heights of the industry in both the UK and Australia. “Awaywegonow…” x’.

Julia Zemerio co-hosted the radio show The Jonathan Coleman Experience with the late star, writing: ‘Jono Coleman. You beautiful man. I loved being your co-host for 2 years on radio. You brought nothing but sunshine every day. So much love to Margot, Oscar & Emily, to your extended family and Jono’s friends. Especially @ian_rogerson. One of the best duos ever.’

Kath & Kim actress Magda Szubanski added: ‘Ah no. I am so deeply sad to hear that Jono has died. What a terrible shame. Every time I saw him he was so damn warm and lovely and funny. My deepest condolences to his wife Margot, family and friends. RIP sweetheart’.

Comedian Charlie Pickering wrote: ‘Very sad to hear about the passing of Jono Coleman. He was a prominent fixture on the tv landscape of my childhood. Always fun. Always funny. Successful abroad, universally loved at home and always ready with another gag. May his memory be a blessing for his family.’

Meanwhile, Ian ‘Dano’ Rogerson, who hosted the Jono & Dano Show with Coleman, shared a photo of the pair of them, saying: ‘My dear mate and partner in crime has passed away. All my love to Margot, Emily and Oscar. We had a million laughs and I know whenever I think of him I will smile. We will raise a glass or 12 to him tonight. See you on the other side mate.’

Coleman was born in London but began his broadcasting career in Australia in 1979 when he joined the original line-up of Simon Townsend’s Wonder World!

He had a successful TV, radio and music career (Picture: SAV/GC Images)

He went on to a hugely successful radio career, earning an NTL award for Broadcaster of the Year UK and three Gold Sony Radio Academy Awards.

In Australia, Coleman appeared on TV shows including Have a Go, Wavelength and Late Night with Jono and Dano, while he was the narrator of the children’s TV show The Koala Brothers.

He also had a successful music career.

Coleman’s wife Margot shared a statement following his death, which read: ‘Jono and I have been soulmates for close to 40 years. We have been fortunate to live a rich and wonderful life and I have been lucky enough to watch up-close someone with enormous talent and the special gift to make people laugh.

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‘I will miss him beyond words and with the support of our gorgeous children, Oscar and Emily, and their partners, we will continue to live in the manner he wanted.

‘When I asked Jono recently how he wanted to be remembered, he said, “For doing a good deed every day.” Such was the generosity and caring nature of the love of my life.’

MORE : TV and radio presenter Jonathan ‘Jono’ Coleman dies aged 65 after prostate cancer battle