John Shires, a beloved ITV journalist who presented the Calendar News programme alongside Gaynor Barnes, has died at the age of 71. His death was confirmed by ITV, who announced that Shires passed away on Wednesday 1 July at St James's Hospital in Leeds, surrounded by his loved ones. According to ITV, Shires had been "ill for some time."
Colleagues Pay Tribute
Following the news of his death, many former colleagues took to social media to pay their respects. His long-time friend and co-host Gaynor Barnes wrote: "He was a class act. A gentleman. He was so clever and, my goodness, he was funny." She added: "I so appreciate that we worked together for 30 years - it's a long long time, but he made it fun. He really did. He was such a character. He was unique. He was a Calendar legend. He will be so sorely missed by us all."
Journalist Christine Talbot also shared a heartfelt post on Instagram: "It's hard to describe the hole in our lives that John Shires leaves among everyone who knew and loved him. He was the most incredible man - a brilliant, fiercely clever journalist, producer, editor and broadcaster who adapted to every change in our industry with ease." She continued: "My love goes to Shirley, the love of his life; his daughters, Emma and Hannah; his mini-me grandsons; and his many friends, some of whom had known him since school - a true testimony to him." Talbot concluded: "John, you embraced life and lived every second of it to the full - whether you were playing cricket or golf, sailing, watching your beloved Huddersfield Town, or simply enjoying a good party! Television was never your everything, despite your talent... Your family and friends were. And we will miss you so, so much."
Career Highlights
Shires began his career as a reporter at the Pontefract and Castleford Express before joining Calendar in 1989. Over the next 32 years, he reported on major events including the Hillsborough disaster, and in 2012 he led ITV News Calendar's coverage of the London Olympics. His contributions to journalism and broadcasting were widely recognized, and his presence on screen was cherished by viewers across the region.
