14 February 2024 , 10:55
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Former BBC presenter Liz Kershaw has blasted the corporation for what she described as their 'shabby' treatment of DJ Steve Wright, who she claims was 'dumped' from Radio 2.
The iconic radio host, who sadly died at the age of 68, was reportedly left devastated two years ago after BBC bosses decided to axe his iconic Radio 2 show. Steve enjoyed a 40-year long career at the BBC where he worked on both Radio One and BBC Radio 2 - and he also hosted occasional TV shows. On Tuesday, his heartbroken family announced that he had passed away at the age of 69 - sparking a wave of tributes from fans and former colleagues.
His death was announced in a statement, which 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."
Radio fans were stunned in 2022 when Steve was sacked from his Afternoon Show slot - bringing to an end his much loved show. Following the news that his time on air would be coming to a close, Steve was asked how he was feeling and he said at the time: "Sometimes people want you, sometimes they don't. Sometimes there are changes and they give you another offer - and that's OK. I understand that, I really understand that."
Steve worked at BBC Radio 2 from 1996 until his death (piersmorgan/Twitter)
Steve has died at the age of 69 (PA)However, fellow radio DJ Liz Kershaw has slammed his treatment by BBC bosses and claimed that Steve 'never got over' being dumped out of the blue. Liz, 65, told Eamonn Holmes and Ellie Costello on GBNews: “Well, it makes me feel sick. It’s shabby, it's hypocritical. They just dumped him. New management said we’re going to refresh the schedule - and they treat people like tins of beans on a shelf. I doubt that there was any follow up, or any pastoral care, or any support for him.
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"He didn't need money as he has been one of the highest paid people on air. But, you know, I wonder if they considered how it affected him. There are some people for whom fame and attention is their oxygen. And he was one of those; it was absolutely his life. Steve was so focused and driven and it's their life, that is who they are, and to take it away from somebody and then come back months later and say, ‘We will miss Steve, he was such a professional, he was brilliant, he was the best.’
“I just don't know how they can say that. And also are they going to apologise to the public? Because since his last show and I know there have been other changes Radio Two have lost 1.2 million listeners. This is 8% of its audience. So people know what they like, nobody's got a job for life.
"Things have to change. But I think there are serious questions to be answered. I would only imagine that it was a shock, a real shock to find he didn't have something to do and was no longer going to be working five days a week and thrilling the nation every day," she concluded.
The Mirror has approached a BBC spokesperson for comment on this story.
Liz has furiously hit out at BBC bosses (GB News)While Steve's afternoon show was taken over by Scott Mills, Steve remained at the station for his much-loved Saturday and Sunday weekend slots. The beloved DJ was working right up until his shock death, with it reported a pre-recorded episode set to be aired this week. However, it is now believed the broadcast will never air following the tragic news of his passing.
Speaking about the schedule shake-up in 2022, Steve said: "At the beginning of this year, my friend and boss Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said she wanted to do something different in the afternoons.
"Now, I've been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain? The support and creative freedom that I'm given is fantastic at Radio 2 and really I can't hog the slot forever, so let's give somebody else a go.'
"Later this year, fans of the afternoon show can go to BBC Sounds to hear a Serious Jockin' series and I'm also looking forward to developing and creating some exciting new digital programmes and podcasts, which will feature elements of the afternoon show. I get so much creative freedom at the BBC, I have no complaints. They've always been fair and kind to me."
Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 added: "Steve's a legendary radio broadcaster and producer, known for his passion and commitment in keeping millions of listeners entertained each weekday afternoon.'
"I'm thrilled he'll remain in Wogan House as a part of the Radio 2 family to present Sunday Love Songs, as well as seasonal specials and regular Serious Jockin' specials for BBC Sounds and Radio 2."
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