CultureTV & RadioNewsA 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’
BBC radio DJ Steve Wright has died aged 69
For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emailsSign up to our free breaking news emails
Long-time BBC Radio DJ Steve Wright has died at the age of 69.
The veteran presenter, also known for fronting Top of the Pops, hosted shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades. His cause of death has not yet been announced.
“All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news,” said BBC director general Tim Davie.
“No-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences’ faces. They loved him deeply.”
Starting his radio career in the 1970s, Wright gained nationwide recognition for his Steve Wright in the Afternoon show, which ran for more than 35 years.
Wright was presenting Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2 as recently as Sunday (11 February).
Following the news of his death, tributes from across the entertainment industry have poured in for the late star.
Follow live updates below.
1707857430The Independent pays tribute: ‘Steve Wright was a friend you only had to switch on your radio to summon’Kevin E G Perry has paid tribute to Wright, calling him “a friend you only had to switch on your radio to summon”.
Perry writes: “In September 2022, when Steve Wright signed off from his final afternoon show on Radio 2, he did it with good humour and characteristic charm. ‘Last show,’ he said as it opened. ‘Bit of pressure. Got to make it a good one, everybody.’
“It was hard to imagine that Wright, who has died at the age of 69, was really feeling the pressure. After all, he had spent 40 years on daytime national radio, redefining the medium on BBC Radio One before moving to Radio 2 for another 23 years as the nation’s constant and beloved companion, a wild, joyful friend you only had to switch on your radio to summon.”
Read The Independent’s full tribute to the late radio icon here:
Tom Murray13 February 2024 20:50
1707864617Craig David: ‘Still finding it hard to believe that the broadcasting legend Steve wright has passed away’“I was his dep for more years than I care to remember,” Charles remembered on X. “He lived for radio. He was generous with his time and knowledge. Total radio geek and revolutionary in his day RIP Steve.”
Tom Murray13 February 2024 22:50
1707863022Tony Blackburn pays tribute to Steve Wright after presenter’s death aged 69Tony Blackburn pays tribute to Steve Wright after presenter’s death aged 69
Tom Murray13 February 2024 22:23
1707861882Scott Mills: ‘Steve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters’Scott Mills, who took over Wright’s Radio 2 afternoon slot in 2022, wrote: “Steve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters.
“He made everything sound effortless, and worked so hard to make every show world class. He was a constant inspiration to me on how to do radio that sounded big.
“When I first started doing shows at Radio 2, he and I spent hours reminiscing about his days at Radio 1, and I would listen to his stories and wisdom in awe. My thoughts are with his family and my colleagues who have worked with him for so many years.
“Steve, you’re the best to ever do it.”
Tom Murray13 February 2024 22:04
1707860262Hugh Laurie: ‘Steve Wright was so damn good’That’s it, that’s the tweet.
He’s not wrong.
Tom Murray13 February 2024 21:37
1707858942Steve Wright’s final farewell to Radio 2 afternoon show resurfacesSteve Wright’s final farewell to Radio 2 afternoon show resurfaces after DJ’s death
Tom Murray13 February 2024 21:15
1707855893Emotional Simon Mayo announces Wright’s death on Greatest Hits RadioSimon Mayo, who worked with Wright for years at BBC Radio 1, was tasked with announcing the news of his former colleague’s death on Greatest Hits Radio this morning.
“Obviously, it’s a tricky announcement to make,” Mayo said. “He was one of the true originals of music radio, I think.”
Simon Mayo pays tribute to Steve Wright: ‘One of the true originals’
Tom Murray13 February 2024 20:24
1707854258Richard Osman says Wright ‘made radio seem so joyous’“As a teenager the job I wanted most in the world was to be part of Steve Wright’s posse,” Pointless co-host Osman wrote on X. “He made radio seem so joyous. What terribly sad news, and what a brilliant broadcaster he was.”
Tom Murray13 February 2024 19:57
1707853168Piers Morgan calls Wright ‘one of Britain’s greatest ever radio broadcasters’On X, Morgan shared a photo of himself and Wright alongside the caption: “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. Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve.”
Tom Murray13 February 2024 19:39
1707853084Ken Bruce pays tributeBruce, another stalwart of BBC Radio has paid tribute to Wright, sharing on X: “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.”
Tom Murray13 February 2024 19:38
