talkSPORT family pays tribute to beloved Giles 'Gilo' Carruthers

Giles 'Gilo' Carruthers spent years utilising his mystical contacts book to help make quality programming that helped talkSPORT become what it is, while his enthusiasm for life endeared him to everyone he came into contact with.

"Gilo was an integral member in the evolution of talkSPORT, working on countless shows over many years," Liam Fisher, Head of talkSPORT, said.

"He worked tirelessly on delivering thousands of amazing guests and hundreds of ideas. He was only too willing to help the experienced team and those just starting out. Whoever you were, he had time for you. A friend to many of us at talkSPORT - he will be very sorely missed."

"I'm devastated," talkSPORT's long-time Breakfast show host Alan Brazil said. "I heard he wasn't very well, but the news was still devastating. He'd do no harm to anyone and I'm just sad for everyone who knew him.

"Gilo was a lovely guy. 'Ey up, Al' he'd say. He was very kind-hearted, he loved Manchester City, but his prize possession was his contacts book - he wouldn't let anyone see that."

"He called the contacts book 'Colin'," Andy Jacobs, co-host of Hawksbee and Jacobs - one of the many shows Gilo helped set up - added fondly.

"He was good at his job and everyone in the office loved him. One abiding memory of Gilo I have is his laugh, the most unique one since Basil Brush!

"The outpouring of emotion from talkSPORT presenters says a lot and something we all have in common is texts. Gilo loved a late-night text and they were usually about two of his passions - football and music."

Dennie Morris, Director of Audio at News Broadcasting, added: "In all my years of working in this industry, I've never met a lovelier man. He always gave you the warmest welcome and Gilo is a talkSPORT legend. He was part of the fabric of talkSPORT and will be sorely missed."

Andy added: "When you go, the way people speak about you is very much a mark of the type of person you were and what more could you want than everybody loving you?"

Echoing the sentiment, Alan raised a toast and ended with: "Rest well, Gilo. You're one of the good guys."