Michael Wynn-Jones, journalist and husband of Delia Smith, dies at 85

Michael Wynn-Jones, the journalist and husband of the TV chef Delia Smith, has died at the age of 85.

Wynn-Jones was honorary life president of Norwich City football club, which said everyone at the club was “deeply saddened” by his death.

The club said in statement: “Michael died peacefully at home on Monday morning, aged 85. He will be greatly missed. His family are grateful for the wonderful care provided by the community nursing team at St Elizabeth hospice in Ipswich.

“Our deepest condolences are with Delia and Tom [Smith, the couple’s nephew], and with all of Michael’s family, friends and loved ones. At the family’s request, we ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”

Wynn-Jones lived with Smith near Stowmarket in Suffolk and they had been married for more than 50 years.

The couple oversaw several promotions to the Premier League for the Canaries, putting the club on a solid financial footing. Smith had a more prominent, public role at Norwich City but Wynn-Jones was reportedly regarded as a trusted adviser and influential figure in the boardroom.

Darren Huckerby, a former player for the club, posted a tribute saying Wynn-Jones “stayed out of the limelight but all at Norwich City FC owe him so much”.

Wynn-Jones worked as a journalist for titles including the Daily Mirror and the Spectator and founded his own publishing company.

He began attending Norwich City games in April 1955 at the age of 13. He wrote fondly of the club’s unlikely run to the FA Cup semi-final in 1959.

Norwich City Fans Social Club said in a statement: “All of us at NCFSC are devastated to hear the news about Michael Wynn-Jones passing. Michael is a true NCFC legend and what he did for the club cannot be underestimated. We are thinking of Delia, Tom and all of Michael’s family at this incredibly sad time. Rest in peace, Michael.”

Delia Smith previously told BBC Radio 4’s Desert Island Discs that she and Wynn-Jones bonded over their passion for food and football.