EJ Osborne, presenter of BBC series Money For Nothing, has died at the age of 45.
EJ – full name Ethan-James Osborne – was an Australian woodworker who helped others upcycle their old furniture for cash on the daytime show.
His death was confirmed on Instagram by wife Anne-Marie, who did not give a cause of death, but explained that he’d spent the ‘last three and a bit weeks’ being cared for at a local hospice.
She wrote: ‘An inexpressible loss envelopes us, so for now some photos that show our infinite love. Good night my love.
‘EJ spent the last three and a bit weeks of his life being cared for by the wonderful women at Dorothy House hospice. I was with him every day and was blown away by their compassion, resilience and kindness.’
‘I know he felt so cared for and safe and I will never forget Ella, Jemima, Gemma, Mandz, Clare, Trish, Irish Helen, Scottish Helen, Andrea and so many, many more for whom it was clear it was not just a job. Real life wonder women,’ she continued.
‘Dorothy House is a charity so if any of you can, please donate to them. I really cannot imagine how we would have managed without them.’
Anne-Marie then encouraged others to share their photos and memories of EJ, which was soon joined in by Sarah Moore as she sent condolences from the Money For Nothing team.
‘All of the @monfornothing team were devastated to hear the news that the fantastic, inspiring, chuckling and talented member of our TV family @hatchetandbear has passed away.
‘I join with all of the team, our artisans, production crew, directors, executives, viewers and friends in sending our love and respect to his family.’
‘He touched us deeply with his obvious lust for life, energy and commitment,’ Sarah continued.
‘He sent me this picture last year whilst holidaying. Anne-Marie, his wife, asks that we share our pictures so I’m posting this here as I think EJ looks so happy.
All Or Nothing star Jay Blades also shared a pic, and added: ‘Morning all, just found out that my friend & presenter on [Money For Nothing] [EJ Osborne] is in a better place now.
Alongside photos of EJ and his family, Katie Piper added: ‘Rest in piece EJ. You touched my life and many others. I still get msgs now about the podcast we did together and how it’s impacted other people’s journeys positively.’
The BBC also offered their condolences, and said; ‘EJ was a brilliant talent who brought a wealth of expertise as an artisan and lit up the screen with his charm, likability and warmth as a presenter.
‘He will be hugely missed by us all at BBC Daytime and our thoughts are with his loved ones at this time.’
EJ has previously appeared on the podcast to discuss his life and becoming transgender, coming out to his wife at the age of 39.
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