Steve Wright's poignant sign-off on Valentine's Day Special where he played Islands In The Stream, Three Little Birds and Unchained Melody before telling listeners 'I'm back for more love songs next Sunday, ta-ra then'

This is the heartbreaking moment BBC DJ Steve Wright signed off on what would be his last ever Sunday Love Songs show before he died two days later.

The legendary broadcaster had presented a Valentine’s Day Special of his popular weekend mid-morning show on Radio 2, telling listeners he was ‘back for more love songs next Sunday’.

The 69-year-old finished the show by saying ‘ta-ra then’ before playing out the pre-recorded show with the song Delicate by Terence Trent D’Arby and Des’ree.

It was the last radio programme the DJ recorded for the BBC before he passed away today.

As always, Wright had played an array of classic love songs throughout the show – including Three Little Birds by Bob Marley & The Wailers, Unchained Melody by The Righteous Brothers and Islands In The Stream by Kenny Rogers & Dolly Parton.

The legendary broadcaster also presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2, and today’s shock announcement has left his colleagues ‘heartbroken’.

Steve Wright, who has died at the age of 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994

Wright seen in a recent photo from when he was out walking in central London

The DJ was married to Cyndi Robinson until they divorced in 1999. They are seen on their wedding day

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.’

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.’

The legendary broadcaster presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2. He is pictured in 1980

The broadcaster, seen in 2003, was made an MBE for services to radio

Wright being surprised in his studio by Paul McCartney. Also pictured is his production assistant Dianne Oxberry

The DJ with George Michael in an undated photo taken within a BBC studio

Wright was born in 1954 in Greenwich, south London, and started his BBC career as a clerk.

He briefly left the broadcaster in 1976 for Thames Valley Radio but returned four years later to present weekend programmes.

The broadcaster joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show before moving on to host Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993.

Wright then fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast show for a year until 1995, and completed a stint at commercial radio stations before returning to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wright’s Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs.

In 1999, he recreated Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2, with celebrity interviews and entertaining trivia featured in his Factoids segment, before stepping down in September 2022.

Former BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot as part of the station’s schedule shake-up.

Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and since October last year, he presented the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, which had previously been fronted by Paul Gambaccini.

Wright was honoured for his services to radio in the December 2023 New Year Honours list and said he wanted to dedicate it ‘to all the people in broadcasting who gave comfort and public service during the pandemic’.

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.’

Wright was hailed today by former colleagues and interviewees

The DJ with Alice Cooper at the Sony Radio Awards at Grosvenor House Hotel on May 12, 2004

Matt Lucas has referred to Steve Wright as ‘the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all’ following the latter’s death at the age of 69.

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.’

Jo Whiley has thanked 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.’

BBC Director General Tim Davie said today: ‘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.’