Television news legend Alastair Stewart has poured his heart out on social media as he led the poignant tributes to his ‘dear friend’ and former ITV News at 10 director Diana Edwards-Jones OBE, who left a lasting impression at ITN.

On Monday, Stewart took to his X page to post a nostalgic picture of the two of them sharing a laugh, with the sombre caption: “RIP #Diana EdwardsJones obe – ej, as she was how, best director especially of big event news tv like general elections- her language put troopers to shame……. I adored her and will miss as will all lucky enough to have met her.”

Broadcaster Michael Crick also expressed his dismay at the tragic loss on social media, stating: “Very sad news. The amazing ITN studio director Diana Edwards-Jones has died.” He continued by praising her as an exceptionally “brilliant professional”, calling her a “master of the control room, deliverer of the impossible, great sense of humour, and famous for her – how shall we say? – highly colourful language.”

Another commentator referred to the late director as “a formidable lady” in reaction to the disheartening revelation. Subsequently, a spokesperson from ITN relayed their heartfelt condolences as they announced Diana’s passing. They extolled her for continually “pushing journalism and production boundaries” throughout her tenure with them.

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He posted a tribute to her on his social media page ( 
Image:
Hulton Archive)

They added: “ITN is immensely proud of Diana Edwards-Jones’ legacy and how she supported innovation on many levels by holding a crucial position in broadcast news,” reports the Express. “She played a hugely significant role at the start of ITN’s journey and showed women were central to the company’s development off-screen as well as on-screen.

“As we prepare for another UK general election in the coming months, I hope that other women will be inspired by her example and continue to push journalism and production boundaries.” Diana was the director of ITV News At Ten when it first hit the screens back in 1967.

She went on to make history as the first woman in charge of a televised General Election special back in 1974. During her time behind the scenes, Diana also helped launch Alastair Burnet’s broadcasting career after he initially joined as a political editor. Following his death in 2012, his wife Lady Burnet revealed he had left £100,000 to Diana in his will after she supported him throughout his career and Dementia battle.

According to his wife, as his illness progressed he only felt comfortable in the company of family and close friends which included Diana.

Addressing his generous endowment, Lady Burnet told MailOnline at the time: “Diana got that money because she was a very dear friend. When my husband suffered from dementia she would come and visit him. Diana would sit with him and it gave me some time off. He didn’t want to see many people because he could not hold proper conversations, so it was only close friends.”

“But Alastair was so old that there were not many of those left. Diana was one of these friends and she would sit and talk to him.” Alastair’s wife went on to praise the late director for giving her spouse his career opportunities on ITN, adding: “We wanted her to have the money because she was such a good friend to both of us.”

Moreover, Diana was instrumental in bringing Queen Elizabeth II: 60 Glorious Years to life back in 1986.