Steve Wright has died (Picture: Carol Norman/Shutterstock)
BBC Radio DJ and presenter Steve Wright has died aged 69.
His family confirmed his death with ‘deep sorrow and profound regret’ in a statement shared on Tuesday.
They 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.’
Wright presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, after joining the broadcaster in the 1970s.
Wright first began working for the BBC in the 1970s (Picture: PA)
He also fronted Top of the Pops, and his last show aired on Sunday, with a pre-recorded special Valentine’s Day edition of his Love Songs programme.
Paying tribute, BBC director general Tim Davie 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.’
Tributes have been shared from the likes of Piers Morgan and Eamonn Holmes, remembering the broadcaster.
‘RIP Steve Wright, 69. One of Britain’s greatest ever radio broadcasters. A brilliantly creative, funny, warm, intelligent, hard-working & energetic man. Absolutely loved him, on and off air. So sad to hear this news. Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve,’ Uncensored host Morgan wrote, sharing a picture of them both grinning at the camera in a BBC Radio 2 studio.
Fellow BBC star Tony Blackburn said: ‘I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company. I was shocked at the news and will miss him terribly.’
‘In a World of Mediocrity …. Steve Wright had talent . He had the voice and the vision and my Sunday mornings will be a lot poorer without him . RIP Steve,’ Holmes wrote.
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