Steve Wright's brother speaks on cause of death and DJ's 'hidden issues'

15 February 2024 , 14:32

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Steve Wright's brother has dismissed the idea that the BBC Radio 2 DJ died of a broken heart and has instead suggested poor diet played a role in his sibling's death (Image: Daily Mirror)

Steve Wright's brother has claimed the late broadcaster died due to lifestyle choices and a poor diet.

Laurence Wright, 65, has broken his silence following the death of Steve earlier this week, dismissing claims his late sibling died "due to a broken heart" following his BBC Radio 2 afternoon slot being axed in 2022. However, Laurence says this wasn't the case at all and his late brother was actually glad of the rest.

"He was aware that he could have looked after himself better, in his lifestyle choices. Obviously we all wish he had," Laurence said today when discussing his brother's passing. "It's like anyone who doesn't look after themselves over an extended period. The normal stuff - diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress - he was a very stoic kind of guy as well so if he had something wrong with him and he had to go to have some treatment or go to the doctors, he wouldn't talk about it."

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One of the final pictures of Steve Wright, taken a month before his death (@AJMusicProds / X)

He went on to tell the MailOnline: "That's just how he was - that probably didn't help really, because he wouldn't have help or take advice necessarily." Laurence continued to explain how Steve didn't agree with the decision to ditch his weekday show almost two years ago, but he had needed a break.

Steve's popular BBC Radio 2 show came to an end in September last year, with former Radio 1 DJ Scott Mills taking over the timeslot. Steve had hinted at the time that stopping the show wasn't his choice, leading to many of his loyal listeners fuming at the BBC over the schedule shake-up.

Radio 2 listening figures plunge as fans snub station after veteran DJs dumped

Liz Kershaw, who also works at the BBC, recently claimed that she thinks the BBC just "dumped him" when they cancelled his show. She said on GB News: "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."

Even though his afternoon show ended, Steve kept working at the BBC and hosted Sunday Love Songs every weekend - with his final pre-recorded show airing on Sunday, just days before his death. Gary Farrow, a celebrity publicist and Steve's long-time friend, shared earlier this week that Steve was really sad about having to leave his BBC Radio 2 afternoon show.

In an interview with The Sun, Gary described Steve's devotion to his radio show: "Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it - and the listeners loved him. My view is that he died from a broken heart." he said, admitting he'll "never understand" why BBC decided to "let him go," adding: "It devastated him." He hinted Steve longed for additional support from the BBC which he felt his friend didn't get. Gary went on to say that radio was truly Steve's "life".

However, Steve's brother dismissed Gary's claims today - explaining how his brother reducing his workload was beneficial. "Although he didn't think it was fair that he'd lost the gig, he needed that rest really," Laurence admitted. "So he kind of welcomed the fact that he wouldn't have to do the show day in, day out."

Steve's brother, a director of a company in the health industry, also spoke today of the close bond he had with the late star, recalling how Steve stayed with him over the festive period along with their father and his sons. Speaking with the MailOnline, Laurence hinted Steve "could have done with a bit more balance" in his diet as he explained how his brother was fond of dining out.

Steve Wright's brother speaks on cause of death and DJ's 'hidden issues'

Steve's neighbours have paid tribute to the late star following his shock death (BBC)

Laurence added that his brother was not a big drinker, noting that Steve only enjoyed the odd glass of wine, and recalled how the late broadcaster didn't indulge in any forms of smoking these days, after previously smoking a few cigars now and again a few years ago.

Steve's brother breaking his silence comes as Steve's neighbours express their shock over the DJ's passing. Officers and paramedics showed up at a flat in central London's Marylebone neighbourhood on Monday morning, with Steve's death later announced. A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police revealed on Wednesday night: "The death was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner."

Those who lives close by Steve's £2million flat have described Steve as "genuinely warm and humble man" following his sudden passing. Tony White, 60, who lived in the same Victorian block as Steve for nine-years, has told the MailOnline how his neighbour's death has come as a huge shock.

He told the publication: "Steve and I shared the same plumber and I texted him this morning to say how sad it was that Steve had gone. He messaged back and said he'd been left absolutely devastated and that he hadn't yet taken in the awful news. Steve was a genuinely warm and humble man. If he saw you coming down the stairs, he'd smile and hold the front door to the block open for you."

Mr White went on to recall how the late broadcaster was very down to earth, taking Ubers and taxis rather than employing a personal driver, and was a very private man away from his career. Another neighbour, who didn't want to be named, echoed Mr White's sentiments and described Steve as "a lovely man".