'He got me through a scary hospital scan': More of your tributes
Here's another selection of the lovely tributes to Wrighty that you're sending us this evening.
Quote Message: I remember living in a bedsit in the early 90’s on the dole, no TV, no internet, no smartphones, living on £32 a week and generally bored stupid most of the time, but I had a radio and Steve Wright in the afternoon was a major highlight of my day, humour mixed with good music it was awesome! RIP Steve from Nick Clive
I remember living in a bedsit in the early 90’s on the dole, no TV, no internet, no smartphones, living on £32 a week and generally bored stupid most of the time, but I had a radio and Steve Wright in the afternoon was a major highlight of my day, humour mixed with good music it was awesome! RIP Steve
Quote Message: He got me through a scary hour’s scan two years ago at hospital. The nurses kindly let me listen to his radio show through my headphones, which cancelled out the noise of the scanner and instantly made me feel calm. Such a legend. I really hope he knows that he was loved and will be missed. from Lindsey in Warwickshire
He got me through a scary hour’s scan two years ago at hospital. The nurses kindly let me listen to his radio show through my headphones, which cancelled out the noise of the scanner and instantly made me feel calm. Such a legend. I really hope he knows that he was loved and will be missed.
Quote Message: As I've listened to Radio 1 and 2 for all my adult life (I'm now 66) he was always there with his wacky humour, great style, and professional approach to his vocation. RIP Steve you will be sorely missed. from Peter Thorpe
As I've listened to Radio 1 and 2 for all my adult life (I'm now 66) he was always there with his wacky humour, great style, and professional approach to his vocation. RIP Steve you will be sorely missed.
Quote Message: I grew up with him on the radio in the eighties and then carried on listening to him on the Big Show in the afternoon. Lately I’ve enjoyed the Saturday afternoon show and Sunday Love Songs. I just felt that he was so ‘listenable’ and down to earth, also with a London accent was a plus for me as I’m a Londoner as well. from Joanna Atkinson, Leicestershire
I grew up with him on the radio in the eighties and then carried on listening to him on the Big Show in the afternoon. Lately I’ve enjoyed the Saturday afternoon show and Sunday Love Songs. I just felt that he was so ‘listenable’ and down to earth, also with a London accent was a plus for me as I’m a Londoner as well.
Quote Message: Today we lost a genius and a national treasure. The greatest DJ this country has ever produced. Simply decades ahead of his time. Comic mayhem but comic brilliance. I listened to Steve for 40 years - including last Sunday. from Andrew Ward, Blyth
Today we lost a genius and a national treasure. The greatest DJ this country has ever produced. Simply decades ahead of his time. Comic mayhem but comic brilliance. I listened to Steve for 40 years - including last Sunday.
Dermot O'Leary: Wright was a real master of his craft
TV and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary, who has a weekend show on BBC Radio 2, also paid tribute, posting on Instagram: "Ah man, one of the greats. A real master of his
craft, without ever taking himself too seriously.
"Nothing but a gentleman, always supportive and
friendly, since my first day. A class act. We’re reeling at [BBC Radio 2].
"He’d have hated this fuss… but he deserves every
bit of it. Rest in peace Wrighty x"
Wright never complained publicly about Radio 2 changes
Charlotte Gallagher
Culture correspondent
Steve Wright defined BBC Radio 2 for an entire generation.
You knew it was the afternoon when you turned on the radio and he was presenting the big show. In 2022 he was replaced by Scott Mills, after being told bosses “wanted something different”.
Steve Wright never complained in public and said he “understood” management wanted change.
He even encouraged people to listen to Scott Mills. He also continued to present Sunday Love Songs.
But many of his listeners were deeply unhappy, feeling that older presenters like Steve Wright and Ken Bruce were being pushed out in pursuit of younger audiences.
'Highlight of my everyday life': Your tributes to Wrighty
Here's a selection of the comments and tributes to Steve Wright that you've been sharing with us.
Quote Message: So shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Wright. He has been such an important and enduring part of my life especially since my husband died five years ago. I loved his broadcasts. He always made me smile and laugh. Like a countless host of others, I feel I have lost a personal friend. My thoughts are with you all at this very sad time." from Janet Wight from Kent
So shocked and saddened to hear of the passing of Steve Wright. He has been such an important and enduring part of my life especially since my husband died five years ago. I loved his broadcasts. He always made me smile and laugh. Like a countless host of others, I feel I have lost a personal friend. My thoughts are with you all at this very sad time."
Quote Message: Listening to DJ Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 1 was a highlight of my everyday life as a teenager... A very sad loss, far too soon, RIP Steve Wright" from Liz Parry
Listening to DJ Steve Wright in the Afternoon on BBC Radio 1 was a highlight of my everyday life as a teenager... A very sad loss, far too soon, RIP Steve Wright"
Quote Message: I'm in tears. He was his normal funny, thoughtful self on Sunday. I'm heartbroken! I grew up with him since 1982 I think it was. I listened to every afternoon show. Steve was a genius!" from Caz from Bristol
I'm in tears. He was his normal funny, thoughtful self on Sunday. I'm heartbroken! I grew up with him since 1982 I think it was. I listened to every afternoon show. Steve was a genius!"
Quote Message: What a terrible loss. I'm 59, 'known him' as my friend and entertainer for nearly 2/3 of my life. Gonna miss you Wrighty. "Put that telephone down" one last time. RIP" from Ade
What a terrible loss. I'm 59, 'known him' as my friend and entertainer for nearly 2/3 of my life. Gonna miss you Wrighty. "Put that telephone down" one last time. RIP"
BBC Radio 2 presenter Rylan has also expressed his "shock" at the news of Wright's posting on Instagram.
"I’m so saddened and in complete shock that we
have lost this wonderful man," he says.
"Steve always was so amazing when I started at
Radio 2 and always went out of his way to make me feel welcome.
He will be so
missed, none more. so than by Linda who always reminded me that he was, is and
always will be her favourite. RIP Steve.
"We will miss you so much."
Funny, zany, slick: Wright changed the landscape
David Sillito
Media and Arts correspondent
Wright's inspiration was Kenny Everett, and American zoo-format radio. He really did change the landscape of British radio and what it sounded like.
He was always funny, zany and incredibly slick. If you understand anything about what goes into making radio programmes like that, you realise what a master he was at it.
In pictures: Steve Wright through the years
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Wright with singer George Michael in August 1990Image caption: Wright with singer George Michael in August 1990
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Wright, Mike Read and Bruno Brooks stir up an evil brew in London in 1988Image caption: Wright, Mike Read and Bruno Brooks stir up an evil brew in London in 1988
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Paul McCartney surprising Wright and his production assistant Dianne OxberryImage caption: Paul McCartney surprising Wright and his production assistant Dianne Oxberry
BBCCopyright: BBC
Peter Powell, Steve Wright, Brookes and Janice Long in 1984Image caption: Peter Powell, Steve Wright, Brookes and Janice Long in 1984
BBCCopyright: BBC
Radio 1 DJs Simon Bates, Tony Blackburn, Dave Lee Travis, Long, Wright, Read and Gary DaviesImage caption: Radio 1 DJs Simon Bates, Tony Blackburn, Dave Lee Travis, Long, Wright, Read and Gary Davies
PA MediaCopyright: PA Media
Blackburn, Wright (centre) and Paul Gambaccini during the Sony Radio Awards in 2002Image caption: Blackburn, Wright (centre) and Paul Gambaccini during the Sony Radio Awards in 2002
Comedian David Baddiel: Wright's show was 'always fun to be on'
BBCCopyright: BBC
Writer and comedian David Baddiel, who was a repeat guest on Steve Wright's Radio 2 show, says the host was "brilliant" at his job.
"Sad to hear about Steve Wright - his Radio 2 show was always fun to be on, and he was brilliant at what he did. RIP," the comedian says in a post shared on X.
Share your tributes
We want to hear your tributes to Radio DJ Steve Wright by emailing us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Creative whirlwind was one of the greats - Simon Mayo
Former BBC radio presenter Simon Mayo described Wright as "one of the greats".
He added on X that "he was an amazing performer" and that "just watching his show was breath-taking... a fabulous creative whirlwind of a presenter."
Nicky Campbell: Wright was 'one of life’s great eccentrics'
Wright
was a “radio original" and "one of the greats”, says former colleague Nicky Campbell.
“He created this incredible radio
world, this fabric, this texture of the imagination in the studio," Campbell says, highlighting how he was an "absolute genius" at what he did, understanding how to connect with people.
Campbell, who worked with Wright at Radio 1, adds that the world he created was comfortable and warm but also a challenging world, saying he was a good interviewer and calling him “one of life’s great eccentrics”.
"He was obsessed with radio and so as listeners we were
obsessed with him," he says.
Quote Message: He will truly be remembered as one of the great DJs and radio broadcasters we have been blessed with." from Nicky Campbell Broadcaster
He will truly be remembered as one of the great DJs and radio broadcasters we have been blessed with."
BBCCopyright: BBC
Steve Wright pictured with colleagues including Nicky Campbell at BBC Radio 1 in 1987Image caption: Steve Wright pictured with colleagues including Nicky Campbell at BBC Radio 1 in 1987
Radio 2 Remembers Steve Wright - listen now
BBC Sounds
.Copyright: .
As a tribute to Steve Wright, our colleagues at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds have brought together a selection of his programmes.
So if you want to listen to some of his many, many shows, click here.
Ken Bruce: What a loss to the world of radio
Ken Bruce, who hosted a show on BBC Radio 2 from 1986 until last year, says Wright was an "outstanding and innovative broadcaster", loved by his listeners.
"Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE," Bruce writes on X.
"What a loss to the world of radio," he adds.
Wright's distinctive, cheerful voice was one-of-a-kind
Emma Saunders
Culture reporter
Jeremy Vine also noted Steve Wright's famous radio voice, which could be recognised anywhere.
"He
was such a large character such a huge figure in British radio, I’m still
processing this and I cannot believe it," Vine says.
"That cheerful voice has gone and there
are so many people who will feel this loss.
“It’s come as a complete shock to us, the Radio 2 family are mourning, we are
devastated.
Quote Message: The thing about Steve, he was 69… he still sounded like he was 30.” from Jeremy Vine Radio 2 presenter
The thing about Steve, he was 69… he still sounded like he was 30.”
Listen to Sara Cox announce the news on BBC Radio 2
This is the emotional moment Sara Cox announced on BBC Radio 2 that Steve Wright had died.
She remembered him as "witty" and "warm". Listen to the clip below.
Video content
Video caption: Sara Cox tells listeners she is 'devastated' by news of Steve Wright's deathSara Cox tells listeners she is 'devastated' by news of Steve Wright's death
Jeremy Vine says his friend 'lived for the radio'
BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine has been describing his respect and affection for Wright, who he says was a "beautiful friend" and "lovely man".
"He was so generous and so giving and he lived for the radio," he tells BBC News.
"He was a linchpin of Radio 2 and of Radio 1.
Quote Message: There won't be a radio addict anywhere in the country who doesn’t love the name Steve Wright."
There won't be a radio addict anywhere in the country who doesn’t love the name Steve Wright."
BBCCopyright: BBC
Tony Blackburn pays tribute to his ‘dear friend’
.Copyright: .
Tony BlackburnImage caption: Tony Blackburn
Veteran DJ and broadcaster Tony Blackburn, who like Steve
Wright worked for BBC Radio for decades, took to social media to share his sadness at hearing the news of his friend's death.
Quote Message: I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company."
I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company."
Blackburn says that he was shocked by the news and will "miss him terribly".
'We are blindsided by this news' - Sara Cox reacts to the death of Steve Wright
DJ Sara Cox shared the news of Wright's death with Radio 2 listeners on air just a short while ago.
“It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of
Steve Wright’s passing, except we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and
blindsided by this news", she said.
"Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really,
really kind person.
"He was witty, he was warm and he was a huge, huge part of
the Radio 2 family.
"I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered.
Quote Message: And I imagine you are feeling sad too... We’ve all lost a lovely friend who has been a big part of our lives for so many years.” from Sara Cox, Radio 2 DJ
And I imagine you are feeling sad too... We’ve all lost a lovely friend who has been a big part of our lives for so many years.”
BBCCopyright: BBC
Post update
George Bowden
Live reporter
Hello and welcome to our live coverage - BBC radio star Steve Wright has died aged 69, his family have said.
Stay with us as we bring you updates and tributes to a DJ whose voice has been welcomed into the homes, workplaces and cars of millions for the past four decades.
Live Reporting
Edited by George Bowden
All times stated are UK
Get involved
Share your tributes
We want to hear your tributes to Radio DJ Steve Wright by emailing us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
'He got me through a scary hospital scan': More of your tributes
Here's another selection of the lovely tributes to Wrighty that you're sending us this evening.
Dermot O'Leary: Wright was a real master of his craft
TV and radio presenter Dermot O'Leary, who has a weekend show on BBC Radio 2, also paid tribute, posting on Instagram: "Ah man, one of the greats. A real master of his craft, without ever taking himself too seriously.
"Nothing but a gentleman, always supportive and friendly, since my first day. A class act. We’re reeling at [BBC Radio 2].
"He’d have hated this fuss… but he deserves every bit of it. Rest in peace Wrighty x"
Wright never complained publicly about Radio 2 changes
Charlotte Gallagher
Culture correspondent
Steve Wright defined BBC Radio 2 for an entire generation.
You knew it was the afternoon when you turned on the radio and he was presenting the big show. In 2022 he was replaced by Scott Mills, after being told bosses “wanted something different”.
Steve Wright never complained in public and said he “understood” management wanted change.
He even encouraged people to listen to Scott Mills. He also continued to present Sunday Love Songs.
But many of his listeners were deeply unhappy, feeling that older presenters like Steve Wright and Ken Bruce were being pushed out in pursuit of younger audiences.
'Highlight of my everyday life': Your tributes to Wrighty
Here's a selection of the comments and tributes to Steve Wright that you've been sharing with us.
You can get in touch by
Wright was mum Linda's favourite, says Rylan
BBC Radio 2 presenter Rylan has also expressed his "shock" at the news of Wright's posting on Instagram.
"I’m so saddened and in complete shock that we have lost this wonderful man," he says.
"Steve always was so amazing when I started at Radio 2 and always went out of his way to make me feel welcome.
He will be so missed, none more. so than by Linda who always reminded me that he was, is and always will be her favourite. RIP Steve.
"We will miss you so much."
Funny, zany, slick: Wright changed the landscape
David Sillito
Media and Arts correspondent
Wright's inspiration was Kenny Everett, and American zoo-format radio. He really did change the landscape of British radio and what it sounded like.
He was always funny, zany and incredibly slick. If you understand anything about what goes into making radio programmes like that, you realise what a master he was at it.
In pictures: Steve Wright through the years
Comedian David Baddiel: Wright's show was 'always fun to be on'
Writer and comedian David Baddiel, who was a repeat guest on Steve Wright's Radio 2 show, says the host was "brilliant" at his job.
"Sad to hear about Steve Wright - his Radio 2 show was always fun to be on, and he was brilliant at what he did. RIP," the comedian says in a post shared on X.
Share your tributes
We want to hear your tributes to Radio DJ Steve Wright by emailing us at haveyoursay@bbc.co.uk
Please include a contact number if you are willing to speak to a BBC journalist. You can also get in touch in the following ways:
Creative whirlwind was one of the greats - Simon Mayo
Former BBC radio presenter Simon Mayo described Wright as "one of the greats".
He added on X that "he was an amazing performer" and that "just watching his show was breath-taking... a fabulous creative whirlwind of a presenter."
Nicky Campbell: Wright was 'one of life’s great eccentrics'
Wright was a “radio original" and "one of the greats”, says former colleague Nicky Campbell.
“He created this incredible radio world, this fabric, this texture of the imagination in the studio," Campbell says, highlighting how he was an "absolute genius" at what he did, understanding how to connect with people.
Campbell, who worked with Wright at Radio 1, adds that the world he created was comfortable and warm but also a challenging world, saying he was a good interviewer and calling him “one of life’s great eccentrics”.
"He was obsessed with radio and so as listeners we were obsessed with him," he says.
Radio 2 Remembers Steve Wright - listen now
BBC Sounds
As a tribute to Steve Wright, our colleagues at BBC Radio 2 and BBC Sounds have brought together a selection of his programmes.
So if you want to listen to some of his many, many shows, click here.
Ken Bruce: What a loss to the world of radio
Ken Bruce, who hosted a show on BBC Radio 2 from 1986 until last year, says Wright was an "outstanding and innovative broadcaster", loved by his listeners.
"Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE," Bruce writes on X.
"What a loss to the world of radio," he adds.
Wright's distinctive, cheerful voice was one-of-a-kind
Emma Saunders
Culture reporter
Jeremy Vine also noted Steve Wright's famous radio voice, which could be recognised anywhere.
"He was such a large character such a huge figure in British radio, I’m still processing this and I cannot believe it," Vine says.
"That cheerful voice has gone and there are so many people who will feel this loss.
“It’s come as a complete shock to us, the Radio 2 family are mourning, we are devastated.
Listen to Sara Cox announce the news on BBC Radio 2
This is the emotional moment Sara Cox announced on BBC Radio 2 that Steve Wright had died.
She remembered him as "witty" and "warm". Listen to the clip below.
Video content
Jeremy Vine says his friend 'lived for the radio'
BBC Radio 2 presenter Jeremy Vine has been describing his respect and affection for Wright, who he says was a "beautiful friend" and "lovely man".
"He was so generous and so giving and he lived for the radio," he tells BBC News.
"He was a linchpin of Radio 2 and of Radio 1.
Tony Blackburn pays tribute to his ‘dear friend’
Veteran DJ and broadcaster Tony Blackburn, who like Steve Wright worked for BBC Radio for decades, took to social media to share his sadness at hearing the news of his friend's death.
Blackburn says that he was shocked by the news and will "miss him terribly".
'We are blindsided by this news' - Sara Cox reacts to the death of Steve Wright
DJ Sara Cox shared the news of Wright's death with Radio 2 listeners on air just a short while ago.
“It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing, except we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided by this news", she said.
"Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really, really kind person.
"He was witty, he was warm and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family.
"I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered.
Post update
George Bowden
Live reporter
Hello and welcome to our live coverage - BBC radio star Steve Wright has died aged 69, his family have said.
Stay with us as we bring you updates and tributes to a DJ whose voice has been welcomed into the homes, workplaces and cars of millions for the past four decades.