One of the most legendary figure in Australian television, Foxtel Group executive director Brian Walsh, has died, aged 67.

Before Walsh steered the Foxtel Group to massive success, he was responsible for the international juggernaut Neighbours, and for having a major hand in launching the careers of heavyweights such as Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, and Kylie Minogue.

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Walsh created the Simply The Best campaign for the National Rugby League with Tina Turner and Jimmy Barnes, and produced game-day entertainment for numerous grand finals and State Of Origins.

He also acted as publicist for Australian tours by Michael Jackson, Barba Streisand, and Mariah Carey.

Foxtel Group CEO Patrick Delany called Walsh’s passing “a very difficult day for the Foxtel Group family, for Australia’s creative community and the millions of Australians who watched and loved the stories that Brian brought to life through television.”

“Australia’s creative community has lost a much-loved figure in Brian. For us, the loss is heavily felt.”

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Radio presenter Kyle Sandilands received the news live on air this morning.

“Love to his family and friends and everyone at Foxtel,” Sandilands said.

“He was one of the nice television types. That’s a shock to the system. When people you know die, it’s a shock to the system. We were close.”

Foxtel released the following statement:

“The Foxtel Group today expressed its profound sadness at the sudden loss of Brian Walsh, an iconic figure throughout Foxtel’s 28-year history and one of the most admired creative leaders in Australian television.

“Brian died in Sydney yesterday.”