Moment shaken BBC star Sara Cox pays tribute to Steve Wright after his death aged 69: 'He was extraordinary, we are all shocked and devastated'

Tributes have flooded in for the legendary DJ who has died aged 69 

BBC Radio 2 star Sara Cox choked back tears as she paid tribute to legendary broadcaster and colleague Steve Wright following news of his death aged 69.

The BBC DJ’s family released a statement today telling of their ‘deep sorrow and profound regret’ at his passing.

Paying tribute to the radio personality, who presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2, Sara said: ‘We are all absolutely devestated, shocked and blindsided by this news.

‘Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really really kind person. He was witty, he was warm and he was a huge huge part of the Radio 2 family and I know my fellow DJs will all be shattered too and I imagine you are feeling sad too and we are here for your messages.’

The DJ presented the popular Sunday Love Songs weekend mid-morning show on Radio 2. His last show was a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day edition of the programme.

‘We’ve all lost a lovely friend who has been a big part of our lives for so many years,’ Sara added.

Sara Cox (pictured) choked back tears as she paid tribute to legendary broadcaster and colleague Steve Wright following news of his death aged 69

Steve Wright (pictured) presenting on the radio in 1980

Steve Wright has died aged 69, his family announced in a statement today

Wright’s family said in a statement today: ‘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.’

Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Steve Wright on many occasions, said he was a unique broadcaster.

‘He created a kind of club which whether he was interviewing you or whether you were enjoying it as a listener, you looked forward to joining every day.

‘It is a very rare quality, and he made it sound easy. It was frequently very funny, and when he left his daily afternoon show he really knocked a hole in the day for many of us who relied on his company.

‘He will be a real loss.’

Matt Lucas has referred to Steve Wright as ‘the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all’.

In a post to X, the comedian 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.’

Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Steve Wright on many occasions, said he was a unique broadcaster

Zoe Ball has told Steve Wright to ‘rest well you wonderful magic man’.

In a post to X, the broadcaster wrote: ‘Wrighty. 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.’

Jo Whiley has thanked Steve Wright, ‘the broadcaster’s broadcaster’, for all his support over the years.

In a post to X, the radio DJ and television presenter 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 for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty.’

Steve leaves behind his son Tom, his daughter Lucy, his brother Laurence and his father Richard

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.’

Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said: ‘Steve understood the connection and companionship that radio engenders better than anyone, and we all loved him for it.

‘He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none, and he made his guests laugh, he was fair, and he wanted to showcase them and their work in the best possible light, bringing brilliant stories to our listeners.

‘Steve’s afternoon show was an institution that began on Radio 1 and later moved over to Radio 2 where it was broadcast for 23 years. He believed in the BBC passionately during his career that spanned for more than four decades, and he was always up for pursuing new ideas.

‘He brought joy to millions of listeners with his Sunday Love Songs as well as the legendary Pick of the Pops, which he took on last year and was having fun experimenting with, alongside a host of specials and new BBC Sounds formats which he loved doing.

‘Steve was the first presenter I ever produced more than twenty years ago, and I remember the pure amazement I felt, sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster whose shows I had listened to and marvelled at whilst growing up in Hull.

‘For all of us at Radio 2, he was a wonderful colleague and a friend with his excellent sense of humour, generosity with his time, and endless wise words. We were lucky to have him with us for all these decades, and we will miss his talent and his friendship terribly.’

Lorna Clarke, Director of BBC Music, said: ‘Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster – someone audiences loved, and many of us looked up to. He loved radio, and he loved the BBC, but most of all… he loved his audience.

‘From Radio 1 to Radio 2, he was with us for more than four decades, and brought so much joy to our airwaves, whatever he was up to. We were privileged to have him with us for all these years.’