Delia Smith’s husband Michael Wynn Jones dies aged 85 after 55 years together
Celebrity chef Delia Smith’s husband Michael Wynn Jones has died peacefully at home aged 85, prompting tributes to the former journalist and long-time Norwich City co-owner.
Delia Smith’s husband Michael Wynn Jones has died aged 85, with the celebrity chef’s team paying tribute to her “beloved husband and partner of more than 55 years”.
Wynn Jones, who married Smith in 1971 and later became her long-time partner at Norwich City Football Club, died peacefully at home on Monday, September 28.
A statement shared on Smith’s social media said: “It is with great sadness that we received the news of the death of Michael Wynn Jones, Delia’s beloved husband and partner of more than 55 years.
“Michael died peacefully at home on Monday 28 September, aged 85.
“We will remember Michael with enormous affection and gratitude, and we will always be grateful that, right from the very beginning of Delia Online, he was there behind the scenes, helping us along the way.”
The message added: “We all send our deepest sympathy and love to Delia, Tom, Hannah and all of Michael’s family and friends.”
A further tribute published on Smith’s website described the former journalist and editor as someone who “never sought to be centre stage” but remained an important presence behind her hugely successful career.
Wynn Jones was also a keen cook and was reportedly more than capable of taking control of the kitchen himself.
The tribute said Smith had often spoken about knowing when to leave her husband alone while he was cooking, particularly when he had not asked for her advice.
“It was part of their relationship and the familiarity that comes from sharing so many years together,” it said.
Away from their public lives, Wynn Jones was said to enjoy quieter days with Smith at their Suffolk home, including word puzzles and spending time with their cat Omar.
The couple were also closely associated with Norwich City, becoming joint majority shareholders in 1998 and remaining in control until 2024.
During their tenure, the Canaries achieved six promotions, including three Championship title wins, a Championship play-off final victory and promotion as League One champions.
Smith also produced one of English football’s most memorable owner interventions during a 2005 home game against Manchester City.
Taking the microphone on the pitch, she famously appealed to Norwich supporters: “We need a 12th man here. Where are you? Where are you? Let’s be ‘avin’ you. Come on.”
Smith and Wynn Jones sold their controlling interest in Norwich to Norfolk Holdings, led by American businessman Mark Attanasio, in 2024 and remained honorary life presidents of the club.
Smith, one of Britain’s best-known television cooks, became a household name through programmes including Delia Smith’s Cookery Course, Delia’s How To Cook and Delia Smith’s Winter Collection.