Greg James' touching tribute to late BBC star Steve Wright leaves fans in tears
Greg James has poignantly paid tribute to late BBC Radio 2 legend Steve Wright following the news of his sad death at 69.
BBC Radio host Greg, 38, opened his Breakfast Show on Wednesday morning with the iconic theme tune to Steve's much-loved Radio 2 show. "It was only ever going to be one song this morning," Greg said as he greeted his listeners. After playing the iconic theme tune, listeners were brought to tears as they realised that it may be the last time they would ever hear Steve's memorable jingle.
Steve's death was announced by his family on Tuesday in a heartbreaking statement. In a heartfelt message, they 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."
Following the news of Steve's sad death, Greg paid tribute to the legendary radio host on X, formerly known as Twitter, as he gushed that he felt 'lucky' to have known such an iconic and interesting star. "The King of Jingles. Steve was always so excited and interested to hear about what was going on at Radio 1 whenever we chatted," Greg shared. "And I felt so lucky to be able to nerd out about radio with him. He essentially started the ‘zoo format’ in UK that you now hear everywhere. A true pioneer. Oh my god and that theme tune - iconic. Long live THE BIG SHOW."
Steve has passed away at the age of 69 (Geoff Wilkinson/REX/Shutterstock)Steve - who worked for the BBC for more than 40 years and hosted his weekend mid-afternoon love song show from March 1996 up to his death - hosted a Valentine’s Day special as his last show. He rounded off his show playing hit songs including Islands In The Stream, Three Little Birds and Unchained Melody.
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As he signed off, he declared he would be “back for more love songs next Sunday” and said “ta-ra then” before finishing the pre-recorded show with Delicate by Terence Trent D'Arby and Des'ree. Just 48 hours later, the news was announced that he had passed away.
The sad news of Steve's death sparked a wave of tributes. Fellow DJ Zoe Ball shared a tribute, saying: "Wrighty. Our Radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, a dear friend, 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 x."
In a heartbreaking Instagram tribute, Scott Mills, 50, gushed that Steve was 'the best to ever do it'. Scott penned: "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," the radio DJ added.
Scott took over Steve's afternoon programme during a string of schedule changes at the station in 2022, but Steve stayed with Radio 2, continuing to present Sunday Love Songs as well as a series of specials and podcasts.
Tim Davie, BBC Director General, 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."
Steve had worked for the BBC for more than 40 years (Carol Norman/REX/Shutterstock)Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, shared an emotional tribute, stating: "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 spanned for more than four decades, and he was always up for pursuing new ideas. He brought joy to millions of listeners with his Sunday Love Songs as well as the legendary Pick of the Pops, which he took on last year and was having fun experimenting with, alongside a host of specials and new BBC Sounds formats which he loved doing.
"Steve was the first presenter I ever produced more than twenty years ago, and I remember the pure amazement I felt, sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster whose shows I had listened to and marvelled at whilst growing up in Hull."
She added: "For all of us at Radio 2, he was a wonderful colleague and a friend with his excellent sense of humour, generosity with his time, and endless wise words. We were lucky to have him with us for all these decades, and we will miss his talent and his friendship terribly."
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