The BBC‘s Steve Wright had died aged 69.
In a press release at the moment, the beloved DJ’s household expressed their ‘deep sorrow and profound remorse’.
They stated: ‘It is with deep sorrow and profound remorse 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 shut pals and colleagues, and thousands and thousands of devoted radio listeners who had the great fortune and nice pleasure of permitting Steve into their each day lives as one of many UK’s most enduring and common radio personalities.
‘As all of us grieve, the household requests privateness at this immensely troublesome time.’
BBC Director General Tim Davie stated: ‘All of us on the BBC are heartbroken to listen to this terribly unhappy information. Steve was a really great broadcaster who has been an enormous a part of so a lot of our lives over many a long time.
‘He was the last word skilled – passionate concerning the craft of radio and deeply in contact along with his listeners. This was deservedly recognised within the New Year Honours listing along with his MBE for providers to radio.
‘No-one had extra vitality to ship reveals that put a smile on audiences’ faces. They liked him deeply. We are considering of Steve and his household and can miss him terribly.’
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, stated: ‘Steve understood the connection and companionship that radio engenders higher than anybody, and all of us liked him for it.
‘He was a consummate skilled whose consideration to element was all the time second to none, and he made his visitors snigger, he was truthful, and he needed to showcase them and their work in the very best mild, bringing sensible tales to our listeners.
‘Steve’s afternoon present was an establishment that started on Radio 1 and later moved over to Radio 2 the place it was broadcast for 23 years. He believed within the BBC passionately throughout his profession that spanned for greater than 4 a long time, and he was all the time up for pursuing new concepts.
‘He introduced pleasure to thousands and thousands of listeners along with his Sunday Love Songs in addition to the legendary Pick of the Pops, which he took on final yr and was having enjoyable experimenting with, alongside a bunch of specials and new BBC Sounds codecs which he liked doing.
‘Steve was the primary presenter I ever produced greater than twenty years in the past, and I bear in mind the pure amazement I felt, sitting reverse this legendary broadcaster whose reveals I had listened to and marvelled at while rising up in Hull.
‘For all of us at Radio 2, he was a beautiful colleague and a good friend along with his wonderful sense of humour, generosity along with his time, and limitless sensible phrases. We have been fortunate to have him with us for all these a long time, and we’ll miss his expertise and his friendship terribly.’
Lorna Clarke, Director of BBC Music, stated: ‘Steve was a rare broadcaster – somebody audiences liked, and many people regarded as much as. He liked radio, and he liked the BBC, however most of all… he liked his viewers.
‘From Radio 1 to Radio 2, he was with us for greater than 4 a long time, and introduced a lot pleasure to our airwaves, no matter he was as much as. We have been privileged to have him with us for all these years.’