RADIO legend Steve Wright “died of a broken heart” after being dropped by the BBC, according to friends.
They said he never got over being axed from the Radio 2 afternoon show after 24 years.
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Radio legend Steve Wright ‘died of a broken heart’ after being axed by the BBC, according to palsCredit: PA
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Broadcasting legend Steve has been described as the last ‘of the old guard’ and that radio is ‘all the poorer for it’Credit: Rex Features
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American composer Anthony James shared a recording of the pair yesterday, which is believed to be one of the last recorded by the DJ
Yesterday there was a backlash against the BBC boss responsible for the scheduling shake-up.
In a tribute, Helen Thomas called Steve “overwhelming” – less than 18 months after he axed his hugely popular show in 2022.
Steve, 69, was found dead in his London flat on Monday. His death is not being treated as suspicious.
Celebrity publicist Gary Farrow revealed his 40-year-old friend – found dead this week aged 69 – was “devastated” to lose the massively popular Radio 2 two years ago.
READ MORE ABOUT STEVE WRIGHT
Gary slammed BBC bosses who deemed Steve “too old”, saying there was no one more “current”.
He added: “Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it – and the listeners loved him. My opinion is that he died of a broken heart.”
BBC listeners and staff were left furious yesterday at the “top notch” tribute to station chief Helen Thomas, who got rid of Steve and his popular colleagues Paul O’Grady and Ken Bruce.
Steve’s departure from his show after 24 years saw Radio Two lose a million listeners.
Gary told how his “painfully shy” friend “needed an arm around the shoulder” from his bosses – but it never came.
Steve Wright was ‘fired’ by BBC bosses and ‘treated like a can of beans on a shelf’ before his shocking death, says Liz Kershaw
He said: “As far as I know, he didn’t have any real health problems – he was always taking vitamins and taking pills.
“Sure, he didn’t really eat broccoli and he loved McDonald’s, but he was the kind of character that I don’t think we’ll see again. He would spend hours and hours doing research before the show, checking out guests and writing homework. Radio was his life.
“He was Mr. Showbiz. He was the first to discuss and advocate new books, movies, records and TV shows, and so advanced in that regard.
“It’s a joke how the BBC could decide it was ‘too old’ or not current enough.
“No one was more current or on the pulse than Steve. There was no one more relevant.”
‘Everyone loved him on and off the air’
He said that the radio and television giant was the last “of the old guard” and that radio was “all the poorer because of him”.
Gary, who was due to meet him for lunch tomorrow, continued: “Everyone loved him on and off the air, even though he was actually painfully shy and never wanted to go to those big dos that the bosses wanted to throw him out on.
“But he just wanted someone at the BBC to give him a hug here and there and say ‘You’re doing a great job, Steve.’ We all love you’.
“But I don’t think anyone ever – that’s all he wanted.
“I will never understand the decision to let him go. It destroyed him.”
It’s corny, it’s hypocritical. They just rejected him.
Liz Kershaw, radio DJ
The national institution lost its legendary Steve Wright to the afternoon show in 2022, with Scott Mills taking over in a bid to attract a younger audience.
This move was called “devilish” at the time.
Steve went on to present the Sunday love songs on Radio 2. He signed off the day before his death with the moving last words: “I’m coming back for more love songs next Sunday. . . so-so then.”
After the tragic news broke, tributes poured in for the radio colossus, while anger rose against the corporation.
Fellow TV presenter Liz Kershaw said yesterday: “It’s corny, it’s hypocritical. They just rejected him.
“The new management said we’re going to refresh the schedule – and they’re treating people like cans of beans on a shelf. I doubt there was any monitoring, or any pastoral care, or any support for him.
“He didn’t need the money because he was one of the highest paid people on the air. But, you know, I wonder if they considered how it affected him.
Staff ‘furious’ at earthquake boss
“There are some people for whom fame and attention are oxygen. And he was one of them. It was absolutely his life.”
Steve’s departure in 2022, which followed the loss of other beloved stars including Bruce and O’Grady, led to an exodus of listeners.
In October, Radio 2 recorded 13.5 million viewers per week, one million fewer than the year before.
Insiders said yesterday that station staff were “furious” at comments made by Mrs Thomas – responsible for the quake – following Steve’s death.
She described him as a “consummate professional” and said he was “always second to none”.
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BBC listeners and staff have been furious at the ‘top’ tribute to station boss Helen Thomas, who got rid of Steve and popular colleagues Paul O’Grady, right, and Ken Bruce, left
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In a tribute, BBC Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas called Steve ‘overwhelming’ — less than 18 months after she axed his hugely popular show in 2022 Credit: radioacademy.org
The reminder added: “Steve was the first presenter I ever produced, over 20 years ago, and I remember the sheer wonder I felt, sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster whose shows I listened to and admired growing up in Hull.”
Her tribute went down badly with many listeners, including one who posted: “Is this the same Helen Thomas who ripped his soul out when she took his show away? I love the praise from fans/colleagues/friends, but I’m sick of the bashing of BBC management who trashed Steve because of his age. He has lost his purpose, he is so sad.”
Another added: “Shame on Helen Thomas for pushing Steve off his afternoon show for a mediocre replacement. I’m sure it had a negative effect on Steve.
“I am still as annoyed today as I was when he announced that HT wanted to do something different. Terrible mistake Helen and it will not be forgotten.” One listener wrote: “Helen Thomas comments on Steve Wright. How ironic. The BBC doesn’t care what the public thinks about any big man being sacked/demoted. Your wages are guaranteed, regardless of whether you do your job properly or not.
“On the contrary, the talented seem disposable to you? Ugh.”
Steve, who joined Radio 1 in 1980, discussed the 2022 schedule changes and was usually uncomplaining. He said: “Earlier this year, my friend and boss Helen Thomas, a Radio 2 presenter, said she wanted to do something different in the afternoon. I have hosted this program for 24 years on Radio 2, so how can I complain?
“The support and creative freedom I get is fantastic, and I really can’t hold a place forever. So let’s give someone else a chance.”
American composer Anthony James yesterday shared a photo of the pair, believed to be one of the last recorded DJs, wearing a black suit, shirt and tie.
The devastated musician wrote: “I can’t sleep. I think of my dear friend Steve. We took this picture four weeks ago in New York. We were trying to do, as he said, ‘ironic selfies’. He had such a love for life and radio. He told me ‘YAY blonde hair has to go!’ I miss #RIPSteveWright.”
Long-time friend Vanessa Feltz said after his death: “The BBC should never have deprived Steve’s listeners of his hugely popular and record-breaking daytime show. They thought they knew better.”
She added on TalkTV yesterday that she found it “funny” when he sang along to the songs he played. “He would just sing carefree, burst in with his chords and some people used to protest. But I used to absolutely love it.”
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Long-time friend Vanessa Feltz said after his death: ‘The BBC should never have deprived Steve’s listeners of his hugely popular and record-breaking daytime show. They thought they knew better’Credit: Rex
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Speaking about the decision to ax Steve from her afternoon show, fellow TV presenter Liz Kershaw said: ‘It’s corny, it’s hypocritical. They just kicked him’Credit: Francesco Guidicini
TITAN OF AIRWAVES
Author: Amir Razavi
PIONEER Steve reminisced on Radio 1 and 2 yesterday.
Scott Mills, who took over his afternoon slot on Radio 2, said: “I wouldn’t want to start the show today and not talk about Steve.
“What a legend, a titan of broadcasting. The man who made it sound so easy, but worked the hardest of all — to be in this place will forever be an honor.”
Radio 1 breakfast host Greg James opened his show with Steve’s afternoon tune, calling it “iconic”.
He later said online: “I felt so lucky to be able to geek out with him about radio. He actually started the ‘zoo format’ in the UK that you now hear everywhere. A true pioneer.”
Radio 2’s Vernon Kay said: “Steve would like us to celebrate his life so I’ll be doing the show with a smile on my face and thinking of the great man, Don.
“He was a perfectionist and that’s what we’re going to try to do today.”
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Source: HIS Education