Summary

  • DJ Steve Wright, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades has died aged 69

  • His family confirmed his death "with deep sorrow and profound regret" in a statement on Tuesday

  • Hundreds of listeners have been in touch with their tributes and memories of the radio legend

  • Sara Cox says Wright was a "big part of our lives for many years" as she announces the news live on Radio 2

  • Music stars Alison Moyet, Billy Bragg, Michael Ball, Robert Plant and Shaun Ryder all pay tribute

  • "There won't be a radio addict anywhere in the country who doesn’t love the name Steve Wright," says Radio 2 colleague Jeremy Vine

  • Wright was a “radio original" and "one of the greats”, remembers 5 Live's Nicky Campbell

  • For former colleague Bobbie Pryor, Wright was inspirational and will be "dearly missed"

Live Reporting

Edited by George Bowden

  2. '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.

    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

    Nick Clive

    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.

    Lindsey in Warwickshire

    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.

    Peter Thorpe

    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.

    Joanna Atkinson, Leicestershire

    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.

    Andrew Ward, Blyth

  3. 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"

  4. 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.

  5. '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.

    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."

    Janet Wight from Kent

    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"

    Liz Parry

    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!"

    Caz from Bristol

    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"

    Ade

    You can get in touch by

  6. Wright was mum Linda's favourite, says Rylan

    RylanGetty Images

    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."

  7. 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.

  8. In pictures: Steve Wright through the years

    A black and white image of Steve Wright standing next to a seated George Michael in a radio studioPA Media

    Wright with singer George Michael in August 1990

    DJ's Steve Wright, Mike Read and Bruno Brooks lifting spoons of slimePA Media

    Wright, Mike Read and Bruno Brooks stir up an evil brew in London in 1988

    Paul McCartney, DJ Steve Wright and his production assistant Dianne Oxberry in a radio studio standing in front of cassettesPA Media

    Paul McCartney surprising Wright and his production assistant Dianne Oxberry

    Peter Powell, Steve Wright, Bruno Brookes sitting down and Janice Long lying down on their laps

    Peter Powell, Steve Wright, Brookes and Janice Long in 1984

    Radio One DJ's Simon Bates, Tony Blackburn, Dave Lee Travis, Janice Long, Steve Wright, Mike Read and Gary Davies standing in front of the Roadshow Studio

    Radio 1 DJs Simon Bates, Tony Blackburn, Dave Lee Travis, Long, Wright, Read and Gary Davies

    Radio DJ's Tony Blackburn Steve Wright and Paul Gambaccini standing next to each otherPA Media

    Blackburn, Wright (centre) and Paul Gambaccini during the Sony Radio Awards in 2002

  9. Comedian David Baddiel: Wright's show was 'always fun to be on'

    English comedian David Baddiel is pictured at a BBC recording studio

    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.

  11. 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."

  12. 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.

    He will truly be remembered as one of the great DJs and radio broadcasters we have been blessed with."

    Nicky Campbell, Broadcaster

    BBC Radio One DJs are pictured from 1987 Christmas week, including Steve Wright (centred in the middle row with his arms folded) and Nicky Campbell, his colleague, in the front row second from the right.

    Steve Wright pictured with colleagues including Nicky Campbell at BBC Radio 1 in 1987

  13. Radio 2 Remembers Steve Wright - listen now

    BBC Sounds

    Steve Wright promo image.

    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.

  14. 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.

  15. 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.

    The thing about Steve, he was 69… he still sounded like he was 30.”

    Jeremy Vine, Radio 2 presenter

  16. 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.

    Sara Cox tells listeners she is 'devastated' by news of Steve Wright's death

  17. 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.

    There won't be a radio addict anywhere in the country who doesn’t love the name Steve Wright."

    Presenter Jeremy Vine poses in a handout photo

  18. Tony Blackburn pays tribute to his ‘dear friend’

    Tony Blackburn, English DJ and singer, is pictured in a blue shirt.

    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.

    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".

  19. '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.

    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.”

    Sara Cox, Radio 2 DJ

    Sara Cox looks directly at the camera with a blue and red chequered shirt on

  20. 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.