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Tuesday, April 27, 1999 Published at 11:27 GMT 12:27 UK

Public remembers 'shining star'

The public expresses its grief with flowers and messages

Flowers and written tributes for Jill Dando line the walls outside her home and at the BBC, as the public pays its respects to a much-missed television presenter.

Miss Dando died after being shot outside her home in Fulham, west London, on Monday afternoon. Police have launched a murder inquiry.

The public mood still appears to be one of shock and great sadness at the news, which was described by one neighbour, Olivia Wilson-Young, as "just horrible".

[ image: A policeman reads some of the tributes for Jill Dando]
A policeman reads some of the tributes for Jill Dando
Miss Dando's appeal was broad-ranging, both as a serious news and Crimewatch UK presenter, and as the friendly face of the Holiday programme.

This is reflected in the tributes, from colleagues and viewers, who admired all aspects of her work on television.

But the messages also express grief; people appear to be feeling that they have lost a friend, whether they knew Miss Dando personally or not.

[ image: Written tributes at BBC Television Centre]
Written tributes at BBC Television Centre
A book of condolences at BBC Television Centre, in White City, west London, is filling with heartfelt messages.

"Everyone has been very sad working here today," said one tribute, while another reads: "A real lady, a star to shine forever - may you rest in peace."

[ image: The BBC tribute book is filling with messages]
The BBC tribute book is filling with messages
"Something will be forever missing from the screen, and from our lives," writes another well-wisher.

An interview with members of the public in London on Tuesday also reflected the warmth with which she will be remembered.

"It is such a waste of a life," said one passer-by, who added: "She'd just got into a new relationship and everything seemed to be going right for her. It's just not fair."

Members of the public fondly remember Jill Dando
Another praised her presenting skills, saying: "She was just so naturally relaxed in front of the camera - comfortable in that environment."

Her appeal on the Holiday programme was remembered by a mother who said that her children liked Ms Dando, and that "she made you want to go on the holidays".

[ image: More tributes at the BBC]
More tributes at the BBC
Messages of condolence have also been sent by the Queen, Prime Minister Tony Blair and BBC Director-General Sir John Birt, to name but a few public figures.

Almost 12,000 e-mails have been sent to BBC News Online, with messages from around the world. Miss Dando's memory will live on for quite some time to come.