By James Simons-
DJ Steve Wright, (pictured)who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, has died at the age of 69.
His family confirmed his death “with deep sorrow and profound regret” in a statement on Tuesday.
Wright joined the BBC in the 1970s and went on to host the afternoon shows on Radio 1 and Radio 2.
Wright was last on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded special Valentine’s Day edition of his Love Songs programme.
The DJ died on Monday. In a statement, his 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.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the late DJ ever since news of his death.
Paying tribute to Wright after his death was announced, an emotional Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox said: “It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news.
“Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a 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 too.”
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 cast 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.
Born in Greenwich, south London, in 1954, Wright’s career at the BBC began when he started working as a clerk. His broadcasting career began in 1976, when Wright left the BBC to join Radio 210 in Reading.
Four years later, he joined BBC Radio 1, presenting weekend programmes before launching Steve Wright in the Afternoon in 1981 – the show that would ultimately define his career.
After a brief stint hosting the Radio 1 breakfast show for a year from 1994, Wright left to join Talk Radio, but rejoined the BBC in 1996.
He later began presenting a Saturday programme and Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2 from 1996, before launching his afternoon show in 1999, a slot he would keep until 2022.
Scott Mills took over the afternoon programme during a string of schedule changes at the station in 2022, but Wright stayed with Radio 2, continuing to present Sunday Love Songs as well as a series of specials and podcasts.
Radio 2 host Sara Cox struggled to hold back tears during her programme on Tuesday as she discussed the news. She told listeners: “It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing except we are all absolutely devastated and 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 part of the Radio 2 family and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too. And I imagine you’re feeling sad too.”
“We’ve all lost a lovely friend who’s been a big part of our lives for so many lives so we’re going to do Steve proud for the rest of the show and we’re going to play the music that he loved so much,” she added.
Former Radio 2 colleague Ken Bruce said: “Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.”
Comedian and actor Matt Lucas described the late DJ on social media as brilliant, gifted, and engaging. He said: “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.
Shock
Presenter Jeremy Vine told BBC News: “It’s come as a complete shock to us. The Radio 2 family are in mourning. The thing about Steve is that he was 69 when he died, but he still sounded like he did when he was 30. He was such an incredible professional… a lovely man.
“He was so encouraging to the next generation of presenters like me. He was so generous with his time. He was such a huge figure in British radio. That cheerful voice is gone, and there are so many people who will feel his loss.”
The station’s boss Helen Thomas 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.”