Steve Wright died from a broken heart after BBC Radio 2 axe, pal suggests
It's been suggested that Steve Wright "died from a broken heart" following the end of his long-running BBC Radio 2 afternoon show which concluded around 17 months ago.
This week it was announced that the radio host passed away on Monday, aged 69. It's since been shared that the Metropolitan Police have deemed his death "unexpected" but that it's "not being treated as suspicious". There's been an outpouring of tributes and the cause of death has yet to be announced. A colleague at the BBC is said to have suggested that Steve had been "struggling with his health a bit" though prior to his recent death.
The presenter was known for fronting shows like Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 2, which aired from 1999 until 2022. It concluded in September that year and the slot in the schedule was taken over by colleague Scott Mills. Steve hinted that it wasn't his decision to end the show and there's been criticism of the BBC over it.
It was announced earlier this week that BBC Radio host Steve Wright passed away recently (BBC)His colleague Liz Kershaw, 65, recently suggested that the broadcaster "dumped him" by cancelling the long-running radio show. She speculated on GBNews: "I doubt that there was any follow up, or any pastoral care, or any support for him. [...] 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."
He continued to work for the broadcaster though following the end of the show, presenting Sunday Love Songs on the radio station each weekend. The latest episode, which was pre-recorded by host Steve, was broadcast on Sunday. It's now been suggested by celebrity publicist Gary Farrow that Steve, whom he's said to have been friends with for decades, had been "devastated" to leave his BBC Radio 2 afternoon show. He spoke about Steve to the Sun recently.
Radio 2 listening figures plunge as fans snub station after veteran DJs dumped
Gary said: "Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it - and the listeners loved him. My view is that he died from a broken heart." The publicist said he will "never understand" the decision to "let him go," adding: "It devastated him." It's been suggested that Steve wanted "an arm around him" from the BBC "every now and then" but Gary suggested that he doesn't believe his pal received such support. He further commented that radio was the late presenter's "life".
The BBC paid tribute to Steve earlier this week. The broadcaser's director-general Tim Davie said in a statement that was released following the news of Steve's death: "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."
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