Entertainment
ITV pays tribute to late Technical Director Roger Pearce after England’s World Cup defeat to France-Sabrina Barr-Entertainment – Metro
The ITV Technical Director died last month.
The tribute was described as a ‘classy move’ from the broadcater (Picture: ITV)
ITV’s broadcast of England’s unfortunate loss against France in the World Cup quarter-final ended with a heartfelt tribute to the late Roger Pearce.
In November, it was announced that Pearce – who worked as the Technical Director of Sport for the broadcaster – had died at the age of 65.
Sports presenter Mark Pougatch shared the news of Pearce’s death on-air ahead of Wales’ face-off against USA, telling viewers: ‘We have some very sad news to bring you from here in Qatar.
‘Our technical director, Roger Pearce, who was here embarking on his eighth World Cup has sadly passed away.’
Pougatch explained that his late colleague and his team had been responsible for bringing ‘the pictures into your homes’ to ‘make it all happen’, emphasising how ‘hugely respected’ he was in the TV sport broadcasting industry.
Following the England vs France match, which ended in heartbreak for England fans as France sailed through to the semi-final with a 2-1 victory, a tribute to Pearce appeared on screen.
Pearce was highly respected in his field (Picture: ITV)
A picture of him was surrounded by a black screen, with a caption that read: ‘In memory of Roger Pearce. 1957 – 2022.’
Several people praised ITV for honouring Pearce’s memory, with one tweeting: ‘Nice touch there by ITV sport at the end of credits to remember the brilliant Roger Pearce. RIP.’
The tribute was shown after France’s victorious turn (Picture: AP Photo/Frank Augstein)
‘Well that was lovely @ITVSport RIP Roger Pearce,’ another said, while someone else dubbed it a ‘classy move’.
When Pougatch announced Pearce’s death, he recollected how the Technical Director would always have ‘a smile on his face and left a smile on your faces’.
‘He was utterly dedicated, professional, charming and hugely popular. He will be missed by so many people inside the industry and at home,’ the presenter said.
Studio director and friend Neil Stainsby added on Twitter that Pearce had been due to retire in five weeks’ time, writing: ‘So sad to hear of the passing of my friend and former colleague at ITV Meridian, Roger Pearce. He died on his last assignment in Qatar before retirement in 5 weeks time. RIP Roger.’
Pearce became the Technical Director of Sport for ITV in 2008, having joined the department in 2001.
Got a story?
If you’ve got a celebrity story, video or pictures get in touch with the Metro.co.uk entertainment team by emailing us celebtips@metro.co.uk, calling 020 3615 2145 or by visiting our Submit Stuff page – we’d love to hear from you.
MORE : Joe Lycett admits wanting to ‘convince’ David Beckham in order to spark changes in Qatar’s laws
World Cup 2022: your FAQs answered
Entertainment – MetroRead More
