Channel Seven executive behind the success of My Kitchen Rules and Dancing With The Stars passes away following cancer battle
Former Channel Seven executive Brad Lyons has died following a battle with cancer.
Tributes started pouring in for Mr Lyons after the news of his death was announced on Sunday.
Mr Lyons served as Seven’s Director of Network Production, overseeing a number of highly-successful years at the broadcaster.
Channel Seven TV executive Brad Lyons (pictured) has passed away following a brave battle with cancer
He oversaw a massive 25 shows being launched by the network.
He launched some of the broadcaster’s biggest franchises including My Kitchen Rules, House Rules, Dancing With The Stars and First Dates.
In a post liked by Sunrise EP Michael Pell and Sunrise Sports Reporter Mark Beretta, Channel Seven talent Simon Reeve paid tribute to him.
‘Bradley lit the sky, took no prisoners and leaves an aching empty space in our lives’, Channel Seven talent Simon Reeve (L) wrote of Bradley (R) on Sunday. Pictured with US singer Isaac Hayes at the Logies c. 1999
‘With the heaviest of hearts, the news that our dear mate and soul brother Brad Lyons passed away last night,’ he wrote in a Instagram post.
In the emotional essay, Simon paid tribute to his wit and high intelligence.
‘Bradley lit the sky, took no prisoners and leaves an aching empty space in our lives.
‘We loved you Breezo, warts and all. Thanks for your hilarity, your candour and your blazing, life-embracing personality.’
He finished: ‘There was no one like you and no one who loved television more.’
Brad launched some of the broadcaster’s biggest franchises including My Kitchen Rules, House Rules, Dancing With The Stars and First Dates. Pictured: My Kitchen Rules’ Colin Fassnidge (L) Pete Evans (R)
He started with as the head of infotainment in 1997, before working his way up to director of network production in 2012.
Speaking to If magazine in December 2017 before stepping down from the network, Brad’s said of Channel Seven: ‘We always had success by making sure we had extremely compelling characters and compelling storylines whether it be drama or reality,’ he said.
‘It’s a very noisy marketplace and you do have to stand out.’
In the same interview, Brad spoke fondly of his career at the major network.
‘I have loved every minute at Seven and I was given opportunities that were amazing,’ he said.
‘I have loved every minute at Seven and I was given opportunities that were amazing,’ Brad said in an interview, after spending 20 years at the broadcaster