After a brief illness, Charles Wilson, a former editor of The Times and ex-husband of Anne Robinson, passed away at the age of 87.
Glasgow-native Mr. Wilson began his career as an employee of the News Chronicle and the Daily Mail.
Despite his confrontational demeanor, he only dismissed three employees while editing The Times from 1985 to 1990, including Boris Johnson for faking a statement.
He then served as the Mirror Group’s managing director.
Charles Wilson (pictured), former editor of The Times and ex-husband of Anne Robinson, has died at the age of 87 after a short illness
He had an incredible career for a young guy who started out on the streets of Glasgow’s East End, according to Charles Garside, a friend and former assistant editor of the Daily Mail. During the Wapping Wars and Robert Maxwell’s disappearance from [his yacht] the Lady Ghislaine, he collaborated closely with Rupert Murdoch.
Mr. Wilson, who lived in Leicestershire and was a member of the Jockey Club as well as a horse owner and breeder, had a lifetime passion for horse racing.
Tom Clarke, a former sports editor, was one among many who paid homage.
He said: ‘Charlie was a special hero for me. He hired me for The Times and later for The Sporting Life.
‘I regarded him as a great editor, transforming The Times from the paper of record into the paper of record and news. He was the first sports editor to become an editor.’
Previously, Mr. Wilson was married to broadcaster and TV host Anne Robinson. While employed at the Daily Mail, he met Robinson, who would later become famous as the presenter of “The Weakest Link.” Their turbulent five-year marriage resulted in a custody dispute over their lone child.
There are seven grandkids left behind in addition to Mr. Wilson’s three children, Emma, Luke, and Lily, and his wife of 21 years, Rachel.
He previously wed journalists Sally O’Sullivan and broadcaster and TV host Anne Robinson.
While employed at the Daily Mail, he met Robinson, who would later become famous as the presenter of The Weakest Link. Their turbulent five-year marriage ended in a custody dispute over their only child.
On a day to be determined, there will be a private family funeral, which will be followed by a memorial ceremony at St. Bride’s Church in Fleet Street.