BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has tragically died aged 69 after entertaining listeners for more than 40 years.
The veteran DJ introduced Steve Wright in the afternoon and headlined Top of the Pops.
7
Steve Wright tragically dies aged 69 Credit: BBC
7
The DJ was a regular on the BBC for 40 years Credit: Getty
7
Steve also presented Top of the PopsCredit: BBC
Steve also hosted the popular Sunday Love Songs morning show on Radio 2.
In a moving statement today, his family said: “It is with deep sadness and deep regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.
“In addition to his son Tom and daughter Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother Laurence and father Richard.
“Also, beloved close friends and colleagues, and the millions of devoted radio listeners who have had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve to enter their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.
“While we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.”
Read more about the tragedy…
Steve’s last performance was a pre-recorded edition of Sunday Love Songs for Valentine’s Day.
He was to host a new BBC spin-off show as the broadcaster planned to launch four new stations.
Steve joined the BBC in the 1970s and spent four decades presenting his favorite afternoon shows.
He also hosted TV programs for the broadcaster, including Top of the Pops.
Compliments poured in from colleagues, including host Sara Cox.
She said: “It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s death other than we are all shocked, devastated and blindsided by this news.
Radio 2 fans in tears as Steve Wright hosts his final show after 23 years on the air
“Steve was an outstanding broadcaster, a really kind person, he was funny, he was warm and he was a big, big part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will be absolutely devastated too.”
Zoe Ball said: “Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, broadcasting master, Godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love and most importantly laughter, rest well, wonderful magical man.
“Life won’t be the same without you here I love you my friend hero.”
Thanks for all the great fun, Steve.
Piers Morgan
Jo Whiley wrote: “What a man. What a legend.
“Broadcaster’s broadcaster.
“One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve ever had the pleasure of working with.
“Thank you for the support and musical conversation over the years.
“I can’t believe we won’t be meeting in the bowels of MV for our weekly chat. Love you Wrighty.”
While Piers Morgan said: “RIP Steve Wright, 69. One of the greatest British radio broadcasters ever.
“A brilliantly creative, funny, warm, intelligent, hardworking and energetic man. I absolutely loved him, on and off the air. So sad to hear this news.
“Thanks for all the great fun, Steve.”
Climbing to the top
Steve was born in Greenwich, South London in 1954 and started his career at the BBC as a clerk.
In 1976 he briefly left Thames Valley Radio, but returned four years later to host weekend programmes.
The move paid off and his defining show Steve Wright in the Afternoon was launched in 1981.
Although a schedule change meant Scott Mills took over his afternoon spot, Steve remained to present Sunday Love Songs.
Speaking of shock axing, the DJ then said: “Sometimes people don’t want you”.
He continued: “I’ve been offered loads of stuff at the BBC and I’m staying at Radio 2. What that actually means for me is that instead of working six days a week, I’m working maybe two and a half days a week.”
In his personal life, Steve was married to US-born Cindi Robinson until they divorced in 1999.
He later revealed that he has since struggled to find love due to his demanding radio schedule.
Recently Steve was made an MBE in the New Year Honors for services to radio.
7
Tributes have flooded in for veteran presenter Credit: Rex
7
Steve was one of the BBC’s longest serving DJs Credit: Alamy
7
He has also hosted a number of TV shows including Top of the PopsCredit: Alamy
7
Steve and Cindi Robinson were married in 1972
Categories: Optical Illusion
Source: HIS Education