Radio 2 hosts have been left broken over the devastating news of co-star DJ Steve Wright’s death at the age of 69.
His family released a statement on Tuesday to announce that the radio DJ had passed away. On Wednesday morning, radio host Nicki Chapman broke down in tears as she listened to fan tributes and shared herself: “It is so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us. The devastatingly sad news has come as a complete shock. Everyone seems to have such fond memories of our Wrighty because that’s how we viewed and that’s how we listened to him. He was ours. He was our mate.”
Vernon Kay paid his own heartbreaking tribute on his show as he told BBC Radio 2 listeners: “It really is a sad loss, but I am not going to think about it throughout the show because I will get really upset.” He was determined to “smile” throughout the show in tribute to Steve, however broke down at the end of his programme as the BBC orchestra played Steve’s iconic theme tune.
It has now emerged that colleagues viewed his death as “very, very sudden” and he had talked to bosses in the last few days. “Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago,” one BBC star told the Daily Mail. “We were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious. It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn’t seem at all real.”
Announcing his death, Steve’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. As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.”
Tributes have flooded in for Steve, with fellow BBC radio DJ Tony Blackburn one of the first to post a tribute to Steve. He shared: “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 was shocked at the news and will miss him terribly,” whilst BBC journalist Robert Peston also took to social media to pay tribute: “Such terrible news about Steve Wright. Brilliant broadcaster. I was privileged to be a guest on his show a few times and was bowled over both by his extraordinary talent and his great generosity of spirit.”
