CultureTV & RadioNewsA statement shared to BBC News by Wright\u2019s family said: \u2018It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright\u2019 <\/p>\n
BBC radio DJ Steve Wright has died aged 69 <\/p>\n
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Long-time BBC Radio DJ Steve Wright has died at the age of 69.<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
\u201cAll of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news,\u201d said BBC director general Tim Davie.<\/p>\n
\u201cNo-one had more energy to deliver shows that put a smile on audiences\u2019 faces. They loved him deeply.\u201d<\/p>\n
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.<\/p>\n
Wright was presenting Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2 as recently as Sunday (11 February).<\/p>\n
Following the news of his death, tributes from across the entertainment industry have poured in for the late star.<\/p>\n
Follow live updates below.<\/p>\n
1707857430The Independent pays tribute: \u2018Steve 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 \u201ca friend you only had to switch on your radio to summon\u201d.<\/p>\n
Perry writes: \u201cIn September 2022, when Steve Wright signed off from his final afternoon show on Radio 2, he did it with good humour and characteristic charm. \u2018Last show,\u2019 he said as it opened. \u2018Bit of pressure. Got to make it a good one, everybody.\u2019<\/p>\n
\u201cIt 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\u2019s constant and beloved companion, a wild, joyful friend you only had to switch on your radio to summon.\u201d<\/p>\n
Read The Independent\u2019s full tribute to the late radio icon here:<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 20:50<\/p>\n
1707864617Craig David: \u2018Still finding it hard to believe that the broadcasting legend Steve wright has passed away’\u201cI was his dep for more years than I care to remember,\u201d Charles remembered on X. \u201cHe lived for radio. He was generous with his time and knowledge. Total radio geek and revolutionary in his day RIP Steve.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 22:50<\/p>\n
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<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 22:23<\/p>\n
1707861882Scott Mills: \u2018Steve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters’Scott Mills, who took over Wright\u2019s Radio 2 afternoon slot in 2022, wrote: \u201cSteve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters. <\/p>\n
\u201cHe 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhen 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. <\/p>\n
\u201cSteve, you\u2019re the best to ever do it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 22:04<\/p>\n
1707860262Hugh Laurie: \u2018Steve Wright was so damn good’That\u2019s it, that\u2019s the tweet. <\/p>\n
He\u2019s not wrong.<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 21:37<\/p>\n
1707858942Steve Wright\u2019s final farewell to Radio 2 afternoon show resurfacesSteve Wright’s final farewell to Radio 2 afternoon show resurfaces after DJ’s death<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 21:15<\/p>\n
1707855893Emotional Simon Mayo announces Wright\u2019s 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\u2019s death on Greatest Hits Radio this morning.<\/p>\n
\u201cObviously, it\u2019s a tricky announcement to make,\u201d Mayo said. \u201cHe was one of the true originals of music radio, I think.\u201d<\/p>\n
Simon Mayo pays tribute to Steve Wright: ‘One of the true originals’<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 20:24<\/p>\n
1707854258Richard Osman says Wright \u2018made radio seem so joyous’\u201cAs a teenager the job I wanted most in the world was to be part of Steve Wright’s posse,\u201d Pointless co-host Osman wrote on X. \u201cHe made radio seem so joyous. What terribly sad news, and what a brilliant broadcaster he was.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 19:57<\/p>\n
1707853168Piers Morgan calls Wright \u2018one of Britain\u2019s greatest ever radio broadcasters\u2019On X, Morgan shared a photo of himself and Wright alongside the caption: \u201cRIP Steve Wright, 69. One of Britain\u2019s 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 19:39<\/p>\n
1707853084Ken Bruce pays tributeBruce, another stalwart of BBC Radio has paid tribute to Wright, sharing on X: \u201cTotally 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Tom Murray13 February 2024 19:38<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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