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

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

TV and radio presenter Jonathan ‘Jono’ Coleman has died aged 65.

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.

Coleman’s wife Margot said: ‘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.

‘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.’

She added that they would bring together ‘all those close to him to celebrate his life when circumstances permit’.

Coleman’s son Oscar shared a picture of himself and his father on social media and tweeted: ‘Love you dad. Rest in peace @jonocoleman.’

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

His first radio show came in 1981 when he was chosen to present Off The Record with Ian ‘Dano’ Rogerson on youth network 2JJJ, and it was such a success that the pair were poached by Triple M three years later to present the radio show.

Coleman went on to have a successful radio career in his native England, hosting Russ and Jono on Virgin Radio, a show on BBC Radio London, and a seven year stint at Heart, with his career achieving an NTL award for Broadcaster of the Year UK and three Gold Sony Radio Academy Awards.

He also appeared on Noel’s house Party in the UK.

In 2006, Coleman returned to Australia full time to be near his mother, Sylvia, in Sydney, and teamed up with Julia Zemiro for The Jonathan Coleman Experience on WSFM.

Coleman had a successful career in his native UK (Picture: SAV/GC Images)

After reuniting with Rogerson on Drive, Coleman most recently presented a weekly show with Jon Vidler on Northside Radio 99.3FM.

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, releasing four singles and a comedy album called Jonathan Coleman’s Polka Project, and was known for his charity work with organisations including the Movember Foundation, Radio for the Print Handicapped, Nordoff Robbins Music Therapy UK, and the School for the Deaf and Blind.

Tributes have poured in on social media from fans, friends and colleagues in the UK and Australia, including The Last Leg’s Adam Hills, who tweeted: ‘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.’

Aussie presenter Mark Humphries tweeted: ‘Jono Coleman was a ball of positive energy and light, his enthusiasm was infectious and he was incredibly kind. I absolutely loved the guy. I’m so grateful to him for coming to play with us at
@abc730.’

His former co-host Julia Zemino wrote: ‘Jono Coleman. You beautiful man. I loved being your co-host for 2 years on radio. You brought nothing but sunshine every day.

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‘So much love to Margot, Oscar & Emily, to your extended family and Jono’s friends. Especially @ian_rogerson Orange heart One of the best duos ever #Jono.’

Rogerson, who worked with Coleman for over a decade, tweeted: ‘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.’

Kath & Kim star 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.’

Coleman is survived by his wife, their two children, his sister Sharon and brother-in-law Michael, and his nephew Adam and his partner Brandee.

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