The British broadcaster Steve Wright, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than 40 years, has died at the age of 69.
Veteran Radio 1 and Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright – known to millions for his voice, personality and love for his audience – has died suddenly at the age of 69.#Newsnight pays tribute to one of the BBC's most recognisable voices, in his own words. pic.twitter.com/amxL2F4zTy
— BBC Newsnight (@BBCNewsnight) February 13, 2024
In a statement, Wright's family said: "It is with deep sorrow and profound 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 his father Richard. Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities.
"As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time."
Paying tribute, Tim Davie, BBC Director General, said: "All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades.
"He was the ultimate professional - passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised in the New Year Honours list with his MBE for services to radio.
"No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences' faces. They loved him deeply. We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly."
"Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love & most importantly laughter rest well you wonderful magic man," wrote Wright's fellow broadcaster Zoe Ball.
"Life won't be the same without you here love you my friend my hero."
Wrighty 💔
— Zoe Ball (@ZoeTheBall) February 13, 2024
our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love & most importantly laughter
rest well you wonderful magic man. Life won't be the same without you here
love you my friend my hero ❤️ pic.twitter.com/pGIgiPgzxN
Comedian Matt Lucas wrote: "Steve Wright was the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all.
"So gifted and natural and engaging.
"It was always a pleasure and an honour to appear on his show.
"What a huge loss."
Steve Wright was the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all. So gifted and natural and engaging. It was always a pleasure and an honour to appear on his show. What a huge loss.
— Matt Lucas HQ (@RealMattLucas) February 13, 2024
In a post to X, presenter Jo Whiley wrote: "What a man. What a legend.
"The broadcaster's broadcaster.
"One of the kindest, loveliest people I've had the pleasure to work with.
"Thanks for the support & music chat over the years.
"Can't believe we won't meet in the bowels of MV (the BBC's Maida Vale Studios) for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty."
What a man. What a legend.
— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) February 13, 2024
The broadcaster's broadcaster. One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support & music chat over the years. Can’t believe we won’t meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty💔 pic.twitter.com/Vro3Osj7ff
Source: Press Association
