DEVASTATED BEYOND WORDS: GB News Star Mourns Passing of Sunday Express Legend in HEARTFELT Message

GB News star Camilla Tominey has paid emotional tribute to her “dear friend and mentor” Martin Townsend following the veteran journalist’s d3ath, calling him a giant of the industry and someone she “loved so much and will miss terribly.” The much-loved broadcaster and columnist took to social media with a deeply personal statement after learning of Townsend’s passing. A former Sunday Express editor with more than four decades in the newsroom trenches, Martin was widely respected for his fearless journalism, unmatched instinct for a scoop, and larger-than-life personality.

He d!ed aged 65 of pancreatic cancer. Camilla didn’t hold back in her praise: “Journalism has lost a giant and a gentleman. I have lost a dear friend and mentor, to whom I owe so much.” Describing his impact on the media world, she added: “Those who knew Martin Townsend will remember him as a creative genius, a maverick editor, and an unparalleled scoop-getter.” And it wasn’t just his nose for news that left a mark.

“He also wrote like a dream. He cared deeply about his readers and always had the courage of his convictions,” she said.

Camilla went on to highlight Martin’s lasting influence, especially in areas many journalists wouldn’t dare venture into at the time:
“He championed better mental health before it was fashionable and wrote an incredible book about his late father, which won a @MindCharity award.”

The book in question, The Father I Had, offered a raw and powerful account of his experience growing up with a father suffering from bipolar disorder.

It earned critical acclaim and helped spark important conversations long before such topics became mainstream.

She also reflected on the personal side of the man behind the headlines: “He was a formidable talent spotter who nurtured more careers than he ever cared to mention.

“There is nothing he didn’t know about music. He read countless books, watched an enormous amount of telly and drank endless cups of tea, the record player always on in the background.”

Martin, she recalled fondly, had a love of “ties, fountain pens, leather brogues, and of course @ChelseaFC,” and was, in her words, “one of the funniest people I have ever met.”

Camilla ended her tribute with a raw, heartfelt farewell: “I’m so grateful to have had him in my life and shared so many laughs. I loved him so much and will miss him terribly. Thank you for everything, MT. Rest in peace.”

Support poured in from fellow journalists and fans alike, including Martin’s wife, writer Jane O’Gorman, who replied: “Thank you for your lovely words Camilla. He adored you too and was so proud of everything you do xxx.”

Another commenter simply wrote: “Martin was a great man and a superb journalist,” while others echoed condolences, calling Camilla’s tribute “lovely” and “beautiful.”

Martin Townsend’s career included an impressive 17-year run as Editor of the Sunday Express, where he broke major exclusives including the first reports of Prince Harry’s relationship with Meghan Markle. He also previously helmed OK! Magazine, and served as Showbusiness Editor at YOU Magazine.