BBC radio presenter Steve Wright dies aged 69

DJ Steve Wright (Ian West/PA)

Veteran BBC radio broadcaster Steve Wright, one of the most familiar voices on the airwaves in the UK, has died at the age of 69.

Wright joined the BBC in the 1970s, going on to host shows on BBC Radio 1 and 2 for more than four decades which attracted millions of listeners.

He was also a long-standing presenter of Top Of The Pops on BBC One.

We’re incredibly saddened to announce that our friend and colleague Steve Wright MBE has passed away.

We’ll miss you greatly Steve. 🧡 pic.twitter.com/m11mZc3XBy

— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) February 13, 2024

A statement shared to the broadcaster by Wright’s family said: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

“In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard.

“Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.

George Michael with BBC Radio DJ Steve Wright (PA)

“As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.”

The broadcaster joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show before moving on to host Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993.

Wright then fronted the Radio 1 Breakfast show for a year until 1995, and completed a stint at commercial radio stations before returning to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to host Steve Wright’s Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs.

Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.

— Ken Bruce (@RealKenBruce) February 13, 2024

In 1999, he recreated Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2, with celebrity interviews and entertaining trivia featured in his Factoids segment, before stepping down in September 2022.

Former BBC Radio 1 host Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot as part of the station’s schedule shake-up.

Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and since October last year, he presented the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, which had previously been fronted by Paul Gambaccini.

What a man. What a legend.
The broadcaster’s broadcaster. One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support & music chat over the years. Can’t believe we won’t meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty💔 pic.twitter.com/Vro3Osj7ff

— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) February 13, 2024

Wright appeared on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded special Valentine’s Day edition of his Love Songs programme.

Head of BBC Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said Wright “understood the connection and companionship that radio engenders better than anyone, and we all loved him for it.

“He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none, and he made his guests laugh, he was fair, and he wanted to showcase them and their work in the best possible light, bringing brilliant stories to our listeners”, she added.

She recalled feeling “pure amazement” watching him 20 years ago when he became the first presenter she produced.

“For all of us at Radio 2, he was a wonderful colleague and a friend with his excellent sense of humour, generosity with his time, and endless wise words,” she added.

“We were lucky to have him with us for all these decades, and we will miss his talent and his friendship terribly.”

BBC director-general Tim Davie paid tribute to Wright, saying everyone at the BBC is “heartbroken” at the “terribly sad news”.

Paul McCartney surprising Steve Wright and his production assistant Dianne Oxberry back in 1990 (PA)

He added: “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.”

Wright was honoured for his services to radio in the December 2023 New Year Honours list and said he wanted to dedicate it “to all the people in broadcasting who gave comfort and public service during the pandemic”.