Radio 2 stars break down over DJ Steve Wright's death as Zoe Ball leads tributes
Radio 2 hosts have been left broken over the devastating news of co-star DJ Steve Wright's death at the age of 69.
His family released a statement on Tuesday to announce that the radio DJ had passed away. On Wednesday morning, radio host Nicki Chapman broke down in tears as she listened to fan tributes and shared herself: "It is so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us. The devastatingly sad news has come as a complete shock. Everyone seems to have such fond memories of our Wrighty because that's how we viewed and that's how we listened to him. He was ours. He was our mate."
Vernon Kay paid his own heartbreaking tribute on his show as he told BBC Radio 2 listeners: "It really is a sad loss, but I am not going to think about it throughout the show because I will get really upset." He was determined to "smile" throughout the show in tribute to Steve, however broke down at the end of his programme as the BBC orchestra played Steve's iconic theme tune.
Steve Wright was a household name for his work with BBC Radio 2 (PA)It has now emerged that colleagues viewed his death as "very, very sudden" and he had talked to bosses in the last few days. "Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago," one BBC star told the Daily Mail. "We were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious. It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn't seem at all real."
Announcing his death, Steve'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."
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Tributes have flooded in for Steve, with fellow BBC radio DJ Tony Blackburn one of the first to post a tribute to Steve. He shared: "I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company. I was shocked at the news and will miss him terribly," whilst BBC journalist Robert Peston also took to social media to pay tribute: "Such terrible news about Steve Wright. Brilliant broadcaster. I was privileged to be a guest on his show a few times and was bowled over both by his extraordinary talent and his great generosity of spirit."
He later appeared on GMB as he said: "I've known him for many, many years. I thought he was just brilliant right from the word go. I was so shocked yesterday to hear he had passed away. I still can't get it in my mind that I'm not gonna see him again. We used to meet up every Friday at Radio 2, we used to find one another funny. I used to go into the studio and we'd chat and laugh for half an hour together every single Friday.
"He became a great friend. He worked so hard. I'm so sad he's no longer with us. He was a genuine person, he wasn’t pretending to be someone else, that was the secret. What you got with him was what he was.
"He had a wonderful sense of humour, he was just wonderful. All of us at Radio 2 will miss him so much. He was a lovely, kind man." Janey added: "He was very funny. He was so supportive of all of the guests, he made everyone feel relaxed. It's like we lost a friend for everyone."
Tim Davie, BBC Director General, also issued a statement, adding: "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."
Radio host Nicki Chapman broke down in tears as she thanked the listeners for their tributes to Steve as she sits in for Zoe Ball this week. Nicki added: "It is a difficult day, it is a difficult day for all of us but we are doing him justice." The presenter then read out some tributes from listeners. She said: "They are wonderful so do send them in this morning."
Nicki then read out one message from a listener who shared how they were a guest presenter on Steve's show back in 2016 thanks to a Children In Need competition. She read: "It was around the time of my 50th birthday celebrations and it was all my birthdays and Christmases at once. In person, he was the kind, funny, humble and lovable person I had listened to..."
Tony Blackburn paid tribute to Steve (ITV)Nicki's voice began to break, as she carried on reading: "...over the airways all my life. I am heartbroken says Fred in Cumbria." She quickly put on a song and when returning to air, Nicki said: "I said to myself I wasn't going to cry and I have done it once. The tears are there but hopefully they are not going to keep falling. Today we are looking at the great, great man himself."
While Sara Cox said on Tuesday evening that she hoped to do him "proud" with her show. 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, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too." She also encouraged fans to share their memories of Steve with her. A statement issued by Steve's family yesterday read: "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.
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"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."
Vernon Kay paid his own heartbreaking tribute on his show on Wednesday as he told listeners: "As we know, the big news story our dear friend and colleague Steve Wright has passed. I am not going to get down about it because that's what Steve would have wanted. He'd have wanted us to celebrate so I am going to do the show today with a smile on my face and think of the big man, the don, the master of his craft. He was an absolute perfectionist and that's what we will try and do today."
He added: "It really is a sad loss, but I am not going to think about it throughout the show because I will get really upset."
Steve's successor Scott Mills also shared his own heartfelt tribute to the "inspiring" DJ as he 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.
Steve with former colleague Ken Bruce"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," the radio DJ added.
Ken Bruce said he and Steve had planned to meet up for lunch before the sad news broke. "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," he shared.
Richard Osman paid tribute to Steve, sharing: "As a teenager the job I wanted most in the world was to be part of Steve Wright's posse. He made radio seem so joyous. What terribly sad news, and what a brilliant broadcaster he was," whilst Paddy McGuiness added: "A giant of broadcasting who made the job look effortless. Steve Wright in the afternoon was a big part of my formative years. It was such an honour to appear on his shows and see the master at work. RIP Steve Wright."
Actress Kate Robbins shared: "So sad to hear that the legendary DJ Steve Wright has died. An absolute professional with a genuine love of radio and such a LOVELY guy. His voice was the sound of our halcyon days He had a connection with the public that won’t be replaced. Rest easy, dear Steve #SteveWright." Sara Cox announced the news live on air and was very emotional as she told listeners: "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."
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Jeremy Vine shared: "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 Mirror's Russell Grant wrote: "I am shocked that my wonderful friend Steve Wright has died. I worked with him for a decade on Steve Wright in the Afternoon. He was a generous, wonderful presenter and gentleman. He was the most inventive, cleverest of radio broadcasters. Steve is unmatched. A legend has left us," and he also changed his profile picture to Steve in tribute.
Steve first joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 (Carol Norman/REX/Shutterstock)Zoe, who is a regular presenter on Radio 2, wrote: "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 shared: "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," whilst Eamonn Holmes wrote: "In a World of Mediocrity …. Steve Wright had talent. He had the voice and the vision and my Sunday mornings will be a lot poorer without him. RIP Steve."
Richard Hammond tweeted: "I’ve lost my hero. Steve Wright has left us. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends. He was the reason I started my career. Steve, you changed radio and thus broadcasting for us and shall be very, very sadly missed. Go Well," whilst Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Steve Wright on many occasions, shared: "He created a kind of club which whether he was interviewing you or whether you were enjoying it as a listener, you looked forward to joining every day. It is a very rare quality, and he made it sound easy. It was frequently very funny, and when he left his daily afternoon show he really knocked a hole in the day for many of us who relied on his company. He will be a real loss.”
Matt Lucas wrote on Twitter: "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."
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