News

Radio legend Steve Wright has died, aged 69

Tributes are pouring in.

Daisy Jackson - 13th February 2024

BBC radio legend Steve Wright has died at the age of 69, the broadcaster has announced.

The broadcasting icon was the voice behind BBC Radio Two shows Steve Wright in the Afternoon, and Sunday Love Songs.

He has spent decades speaking to millions through both BBC Radio Two and BBC Radio One, and his family say he was ‘one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities’.

The BBC added that he was a ‘truly wonderful broadcaster’ and was ‘passionate about the craft of radio’.

Just months ago, he was awarded an MBE for service to radio in the New Year Honours list.

Steve was last on air this Sunday with a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day special of his Sunday Love Songs show.

Tributes have been shared from his family and from figures at the BBC.

Steve 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.”

"No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences’ faces. They loved him deeply."

Director-General Tim Davie pays tribute to "truly wonderful broadcaster" Steve Wright MBEhttps://t.co/vkxaIwhBRz pic.twitter.com/yMFnkKO9nw
— BBC Press Office (@bbcpress) February 13, 2024

Tim Davie, BBC Director General, paid tribute too, writing: “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, shared: “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.”

Finally 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.”

Featured image: BBC