The UK broadcasting community is mourning the loss of a respected figure, following the death of veteran ITV cameraman Rick Pickard.
His colleague, ITV Calendar presenter Christine Talbot, shared the sad news on Instagram, posting a series of heartwarming behind-the-scenes photographs and a moving tribute to the man affectionately known as 'Uncle Rick'.
A Storied Career Behind the Lens
Rick Pickard enjoyed an incredible career spanning five decades, first with Yorkshire Television (YTV) and later with ITV Calendar.
His camera work covered some of the most significant news events in recent British history. He filmed the iconic studio interview with football managers Don Revie and Brian Clough, and provided coverage of the miners' strikes and the Hillsborough disaster.
He also accompanied Christine Talbot to film the legendary 'First Woman of the Dales', Hannah Hauxwell, with whom he formed a firm friendship. Talbot recalled that Hauxwell always asked if Rick would be coming on subsequent visits.
Remembering 'Uncle Rick': The Man Behind the Camera
In her tribute, Christine Talbot revealed personal details about Pickard's life and character that many of his colleagues never knew.
She disclosed that he was a gifted young footballer who had signed for Sheffield Wednesday Under-21s, until a leg break during a YTV football match ended that path. He was also an accomplished cricketer.
Talbot emphasised his kindness, recalling how he supported her like a father when her own dad died. He was a modest man, well-liked by all, earning nicknames like 'Uncle Rock' and 'Jean Luc' after the Star Trek character.
A large turnout of both former and current ITV Calendar faces at his funeral was a testament to the high esteem in which he was held, though his family noted he would have hated the attention.
A Final Farewell
The final photograph in Talbot's tribute was taken just a fortnight before Pickard's passing. It shows a meet-up with Rick, his wife Jane, and daughter Sarah.
Talbot described it as a special day of reminiscing and laughter, where they planned further meet-ups in the New Year. She concluded her tribute by saying: "Goodbye to Rick Pickard, a YTV legend and a genuinely good man."
Fans and viewers quickly responded to the news with condolences in the comments, praising Pickard as a "true gentleman" and noting his amazing career that helped make ITV Calendar one of the best regional news programmes.
