Noel Edmonds has emotionally declared that Steve Wright's death is the start of the "end of the radio era".
The TV legend, 75, appeared live via New Zealand on Wednesday's This Morning to pay tribute to Steve after the BBC Radio 2 favourite's death, which was announced on Tuesday. News of Steve's death at the age of 69 broke on Tuesday, leaving his colleagues and listeners saddened and in shock.
Steve's pre-recorded final show of Sunday Love Songs was broadcast last Sunday, just days before his death. Paying tribute on Wednesday's This Morning, Noel, who spent large parts of his career working with BBC Radio, said he mourns "marvellous" Steve.
Noel emotionally said: "I mourn the passing of this great talent, this marvellous man. He had integrity, he had sincerity, he had this incredible commitment to the people he would never meet. We are unfortunately, I think, coming to the end of that radio era. So please, cherish the Ken Bruces and Tony Blackburns, cherish them because we're coming to the end of an era."
Viewers were quick to share Noel's poignant sentiments and pay tribute to Steve. Taking to Twitter, now X, one person said: "Well said from Noel Edmunds. We are nearing the end of a generation of wonderful broadcasters … truly my generation #ThisMorning #RIPSteveWright", a different account put: "Lovely tribute from noel edmunds #thismorning" while another added: "Nice words Noel #RIPSteveWright #ThisMorning."
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It comes as Tony Blackburn told Good Morning Britain he was "so shocked" by the death of his good friend Steve. On Wednesday, Tony and Steve's co-host of 24 years Janey Lee Grace shared their reactions and sadness to their friend's "shocking" death with GMB hosts Charlotte Hawkins and Ed Balls.
Tony praised his "wonderful" and "kind" friend, saying he "will miss him so much". Janey called her late pal a "friend" to his listeners, as she spoke of his incredible radio and broadcasting career.
Steve's family broke the news in a statement on Tuesday, which 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.
"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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