'TA TA THEN'
Steve Wright’s heartbreaking last show saw BBC legend share favourite love songs before promising fans ‘I’ll be back’
Star's heartbroken family release details on his death
A BBC Radio 2 legend who tragically died had been on air just days ago sharing his favourite love songs.
Steve Wright passed away aged 69, his heartbroken family announced today.
4
4
4
4
The veteran disc jockey presented the Afternoon Show for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2.
His last show was on Sunday, as he pre-recorded a Valentine's Day special of his Love Songs programme.
There, Wright shared his favourite romantic tunes.
During the show the legend signed off saying: "I'll be back for more love songs next Sunday.
Read more on showbiz
"Ta-ta then."
His Sunday Love Songs show "brought joy to millions of listeners", Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said this afternoon.
On his final show, Wright welcomed listeners in his usual cheery way - singing along to the tunes.
He went on to say the two-hour show would be made up of "the greatest love songs of all time".
Most read in Showbiz
- Steve Wright's family announce his tragic death
- Piers Morgan has led tributes to Steve Wright
- DJ has passed away aged 69 after plotting new show
- The presenter went from being a bullied schoolboy to a radio legend
- Star's final heartbreaking video revealed
Wright was his happy self, joking that he and others on the show slow-danced in the work kitchen.
He gave special Valentine's Day shout-outs to lovers across the country.
Sara Cox’s tribute to Steve Wright who tragically died had been on air just days ago
The star's family today announced the legend's death.
Tributes are already pouring in for him, with Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay leading them.
His mourning loved ones 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."
From bullied schoolboy to BBC legend
By Jane Matthews
STEVE Wright went from being a bullied schoolboy cruelly dubbed 'Big Nose' to a BBC radio legend.
Wright was born in Greenwich, London and attended Eastwood High School in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
It was there that he was cruelly nicknamed Big Nose and Concorde.
His first job after leaving school was in marine insurance but after three years he realised it wasn't for him.
It was then that Wright left to become a local newspaper reporter.
This led him to BBC, as a record librarian, which then went on to his own shows - and the rest was history.
But in 2022 he announced he was stepping back from his Afternoon show after more than two decades.
He said at the time: "Before we start the show proper, if I may, I'd just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show."
The axing saw him take another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show - which he last appeared on just days ago.
He had been due to front a new BBC spin-off show as the broadcaster planned to launch four fresh stations.
Steve joined the BBC in the 1970s and spent four decades hosting his beloved afternoon shows.
He also fronted TV programmes for the broadcaster, including Top of the Pops.
Tributes have flooded in from colleagues, including from presenter Sara Cox.
She 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."
Zoe Ball said: "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 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."
While Piers Morgan said: "RIP Steve Wright, 69. One of Britain’s greatest ever radio broadcasters.
"A brilliantly creative, funny, warm, intelligent, hard-working & energetic man. Absolutely loved him, on and off air. So sad to hear this news.
Read More on The Sun
"Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve."
Steve was born in Greenwich, south London, in 1954 and began his career at the BBC as a clerk.
Topics