Former BBC radio presenter Howard Hughes dies

Tributes have poured in for Howard Hughes following the announcement of his death

Former BBC Radio Berkshire newsreader and presenter Howard Hughes has died.

Hughes was the first voice heard on the radio station when it launched in 1992, before going on to read the news on the Capital Breakfast Show, working alongside Chris Tarrant.

He later started a podcast called The Unexplained, exploring space, science and the paranormal.

An announcement on the podcast's website on Saturday said the "beloved and respected" presenter had died a week ago.

Adam Cornwell, who helped produce Hughes’ podcast for sixteen years, said in the post that Hughes left behind a huge archive and legacy.

He wrote: "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Howard Hughes, the beloved and respected creator of The Unexplained With Howard Hughes and a dear friend who sadly died a week ago."

In a recorded audio message on the page, he said the presenter had died after a short illness.

He added: "He wasn’t simply a presenter, he was a friend to those who tuned in, a guide who journeyed with them through the unknown and, for long-time listeners, a constant through life’s good and bad times.

"Howard will be forever missed but never forgotten."

Throughout his career, Hughes interviewed celebrities like David Bowie and Lionel Richie, as well as high profile figures such as Tony Blair when he was the UK prime minister.

He also covered the death of Princess Diana and the 7/7 London terror attack in 2005.

'What a voice'

Paying tribute to Hughes, BBC Radio Berkshire's executive editor Duncan McLarty said: "Howard had an unforgettably smooth voice, genuine warmth and a deep love of radio which was obvious to colleagues and listeners."

In a post on X, former BBC Radio Berkshire breakfast presenter Andrew Peach described Hughes as a "dear friend".

He wrote: "He made every word, every syllable, count and was the master of morning bulletins."

Steve Penk, Capital's former mid-morning presenter, posted: "He was one of the best broadcasters I’ve ever worked with, he was a joy, lightning-fast, great sense of humour and, of course, that voice."

David Lloyd, co-founder of Boom Radio, added Hughes had been a "huge figure" in commercial radio.

"What a voice - and he knew how to command an audience with it," he said.