Steve Wright who presented BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades has died aged 69, his family have confirmed. The veteran DJ and presenter joined the broadcaster in the 190s and went on to host programmes such as Top of The Pops as well as afternoon shows on Radio 1 and Radio 2.
In a statement on Tuesday, February 13 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. As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time."
Tributes have been pouring in for the veteran broadcaster who it was believed last on air on Sunday in a pre-recorded show. Wright announced in 2022 that he was stepping down from his show on Radio 2 after 23 years.
Tim Davie, BBC Director General said "All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news. 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."
Live updates as tributes pour in for the broadcaster
Wales' Owain Wyn Evans pays tribute
Presenter Owain Wyn Evans paid tribute on his Instagram page.
Sara Cox posts tribute after radio show
BBC Radio 2 presenter Sara Cox who was on air when the news of Steve's death was announced has since posted a further tribute to her friend on Instagram after her emotional tribute during the show.
Sharing a photo of Steve she wrote: "Every Sunday morning we’re gonna miss you Steve.
"Thank you for making me so welcome at Radio2, for your ever evolving radio genius, for showing the rest of us how’s it’s done."
Alex Jones pays tribute
Alex Jones paid tribute to Steve on this evening's One Show. She said: "We want to start tonight with the very sad news that the radio legend Steve Wright has died. Now as part of the Radio 2 family, I know how shocked and upset everybody will be feeling including those of you who have listened to his shows over the years.
"Steve had such a strong connection with his listeners and has been a familiar voice in people's lives for many, many years, lots of us, really, since we were children. The amount of deeply personal stories that have been shared on Sunday Love Songs is a testament to how you all viewed him as a friend."
They then read out stories from fans before Ale added: "We are still in shock at the news and tomorrow we'll pay an even bigger tribute to Steve on the show."
Scott Mills pays tribute
DJ Scott Mills has paid tribute to Steve Wright. Scott took over the afternoon slot on BBC Radio 2 after Steve stood down. Scott had spent several years presenting the afternoon show on BBC Radio 1 before moving to the channel.
In tribute he said: "Steve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters. He made everything sound effortless, and worked so hard to make every show world class.
"He was a constant inspiration to me on how to do radio that sounded big. When I first started doing shows at Radio 2, he and I spent hours reminiscing about his days at Radio 1, and I would listen to his stories and wisdom in awe.
"My thoughts are with his family and my colleagues who have worked with him for so many years. Steve, you’re the best to ever do it."
Steve Wright through the years
"The broadcaster’s broadcaster"
Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley shared a tribute to her friend and former collague
Tony Blackburn shocked at news of friend's passing
Fellow DJ Tony Blackburn posted on social media:"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."
"What a loss to the world of radio" - Ken Bruce
Posting on X, formerly known as Twitter, presenter Ken Bruce said:
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.
"We will miss his talent and his friendship terribly”
In paying tribute to her collague Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2 said:
"Steve 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.
"Steve’s afternoon show was an institution that began on Radio 1 and later moved over to Radio 2 where it was broadcast for 23 years. He believed in the BBC passionately during his career that spanned for more than four decades, and he was always up for pursuing new ideas. He brought joy to millions of listeners with his Sunday Love Songs as well as the legendary Pick of the Pops, which he took on last year and was having fun experimenting with, alongside a host of specials and new BBC Sounds formats which he loved doing.
"Steve was the first presenter I ever produced more than twenty years ago, and I remember the pure amazement I felt, sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster whose shows I had listened to and marvelled at whilst growing up in Hull. 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. We were lucky to have him with us for all these decades, and we will miss his talent and his friendship terribly.”
'Steve Wright in the Afternoon'
Despite broadcasting for the BBC on and off for over four decades, it was Wright's BBC Radio 2 show 'Steve Wright in the Afternoon' that went on to define his career. He presented the show for 23 years before stepping down in October 2022.
Wright stayed with Radio 2, continuing to present Sunday Love Songs as well as a series of specials and podcasts. Radio 2 said it planned to celebrate Wright's life with a range of programming across the station.
DJ Sara Cox leads tributes
An emotional Sara Cox led the tributes to her late colleague while presenting her Radio 2 show this afternoon.
She said:
"It's hard to know what to say about the news about Steve Wright's passing, except to say that we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided by this news. 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 and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too and I imagine you're feeling sad too and we're here for your messages. If you'd like to reach out, if you'd like to share your thoughts or your memories about Steve, please do.
"We've all lost a lovely friend, who has been a big part of our lives for so many years. So, we're going to try and do Steve proud for the rest of the show and play the music that he loved so much."
