STEVE Wright was set for a major new BBC radio gig which was revealed just days before his tragic death aged 69.
The broadcasting legend was to be part of BBC Radio’s plans to launch four new stations on air.
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Steve was to be part of the BBC’s new Radio 2 spin-off channel
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His death shook the industry Credit: Alamy
One of the four new channels will be a BBC Radio 2 spin-off station, with Steve Wright set to host a new version of his show Sunday Love Songs, made especially for the network being launched.
The BBC said the station would “bring heritage artists’ catalogs and stories to life in a much deeper and richer way than Radio 2’s mainstream mixed-genre schedule can allow”.
Although Steve would have been the clear favorite to be one of the key faces at the new station, unfortunately it was not to be.
His family have today confirmed the shocking news that Steve has passed away.
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Steve Wright’s 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.
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“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.”
Steve’s BBC colleagues also spoke of their devastation.
Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball was devastated by the news, telling her fans: “Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, broadcasting master, Godfather, dear friend, always there for us all with support, advice and love and most importantly laughter.
“Rest well, wonderful wizard. Life won’t be the same without you here. I love you my friend hero x.”
She added: “Thoughts to Steve’s family, his beloved listeners, Tim, Jayney, Bobbi and his team.”
Sarah Cox’s tribute to Steve Wright who tragically passed away aired a few days ago
Vernon Kay, who took over Steve’s old post, shared a lengthy post about the loss.
“Words alone are not enough to describe the respect I had for this man; to this titan of radio and someone I was proud to call a friend,” he wrote.
“Thank you Steve, for the decades of joy you brought to the airwaves, entertaining us all with your wit, warmth and those most wonderful voices.”
He continued: “On a personal level I will never forget your kindness as a mentor to me in my early years in radio broadcasting, for the hours we spent talking and laughing on the phone. You were always so generous with your wisdom and advice.
“The word ‘legend’ was truly made for you, Steve. You will be sorely missed by all. Rest in peace my friend.”
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Steve on the radio in 1980. Credit: Rex
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Steve was loved by all his former colleagues Credit: Alamy
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