Former BBC cameraman John Williams, who spent three decades working with the broadcaster, has died. His passing was shared publicly on November 9 through the Pebble Mill Facebook community, a page followed by former BBC colleagues and staff connected to the historic broadcasting centre in Birmingham. The post noted that Williams had been seriously ill and confirmed his death, adding that he would be “much missed” by those who worked with him.
Williams spent much of his career at the BBC’s Pebble Mill studios, which served as a major hub of regional and national programming before its closure in 2004. As a cameraman, he contributed to a wide range of productions, including factual programming, entertainment shows, and regional broadcasts. Colleagues described him as a highly respected professional who was consistently reliable behind the scenes and known for his steady presence during both studio and location shoots.
Former coworkers responded to the news with expressions of sadness and remembrance online, recalling Williams’ professionalism and calm working style. Many noted that while his role placed him behind the camera instead of in the public eye, his work supported some of the BBC’s most recognizable output over several decades.
No details were released regarding the exact circumstances of his illness or death, and no formal statement from the BBC has been issued at this stage. However, those familiar with his career highlighted his long service and the strong working relationships he maintained across the broadcasting community.