BBC radio DJ Steve Wright dies aged 69

Steve Wright has died at the age of 69

BBC radio DJ Steve Wright, who presented shows on Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, has died at the age of 69.

Wright was last on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day edition of his Love Songs programme.

A statement shared to BBC News by 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.”

‘He was the ultimate professional’

Tim Davie, BBC director-general, said staff would “miss him terribly”.

“All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news,” Mr Davie said. “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.”

Steve Wright pictured in 1981, when he presented on BBC Radio 1 – Getty Images

Wright’s broadcasting career began in 1976, when he left his role as a clerk at the BBC to join Thames Valley Radio.

He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980, before launching Steve Wright in the Afternoon a year later.

In 1996, Wright began Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2, before launching his afternoon show in 1999, a slot he would keep until 2022.

Sara Cox paid an emotional tribute to Wright on her Radio 2 show.

“It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing except to say we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided by this news,” she said.

“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 absolutely shattered, and I imagine you’re feeling sad too.”

“We’ve all lost a lovely friend who has been a big part of our lives for so many years. We are going to try and do Steve proud for the rest of the show and play the music he loved so much.”

The first record she played was Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell.

Steve Wright in 1980, when he joined BBC radio

Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by 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,” she said.

“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.”

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