Money for Nothing star EJ Osborne dies aged 45

EJ Osborne has died at the age of 45, his friends have confirmed.

The Money for Nothing presenter passed away at Dorothy House Hospice near Bath, Somerset on Monday.

His cause of death has not yet been confirmed.

In the BBC One show, EJ, who was a woodworker, and the rest of the team saved items from being binned and transformed them into pieces ready to be sold by guests on the programme.

His co-star Sarah Moore paid tribute to him on her Instagram account on Wednesday as she announced the sad news that he has passed away on behalf of his wife Anne-Marie.

Sarah wrote: “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.

“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.

“Rest in peace and purple sequins my friend. See you on the other side.”

Anne-Marie, with whom he shared a daughter named Orla, later posted about his death.

She said: “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.

“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.”