Steve Wright dead updates — BBC Radio DJ Sara Cox breaks down as she announces co-star’s death aged 69

Heartbreaking last video

Steve Wright was last snapped outside the BBC studios, after he was axed from his Afternoon show slot in 2022.

The DJ said at the time about his shock axing: “Sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t.

“Sometimes there are changes and they give you another offer – and that’s OK. I understand that, I really understand that.”

Fans grieve

Steve Wright’s fans have taken to social media to mourn the radio DJ.

Steve stepped down from his show in 2022

Steve announced in 2022 he was stepping back from his Afternoon show after more than two decades.

“Before we start the show proper, if I may, I’d just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show,” he said at the time.

He then took another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show – which he last appeared on just days ago.

How Steve Wright’s career began

Steve Wright’s first job after leaving school was in marine insurance but after three years he realised it wasn’t for him.

It was then that Wright left and became a local newspaper reporter.

This led him to BBC, as a record librarian, which then went on to his own shows – and the rest was history.

Fellow DJ grieves

Tony Blackburn has taken to social media to mourn his friend.

“He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company,” he wrote.

‘What a loss to the world of radio’

Steve Wright’s former colleague, Ken Bruce wrote, “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.”

Co-star mourns

BBC Radio DJ Sara Cox is mourning the loss of her co-star.

She told listeners, “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.

“Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really, really. kind person.”

She continued, “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.”

Steve was bullied early in life

The star had been on air for BBC for decades, but he didn’t have an easy start.

Wright was born in Greenwich, London and he attended Eastwood High School in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.

He was cruelly nicknamed Big Nose and Concorde during his time there.

How was Steve’s death announced?

Steve 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.”

‘Life won’t be the same without you’

Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball was devastated by the news, telling her fans: “Wrighty. Our Radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, a dear friend, always there for us all with support, advice & love & most importantly laughter.

“Rest well you wonderful magic man. Life won’t be the same without you here. Love you my friend my hero x.”

She added: “Thoughts to Steve’s family, his beloved listeners, Tim, Jayney, Bobbi & his team.”

‘A massive loss to broadcasting’

Paddy McGuinness shared his upset, writing: “A massive loss to broadcasting.

“I grew up listening to Steve Wright in the afternoon, a big part of my formative years.

“It was a huge honour for me to appear on his shows. RIP Steve Wright.”

What shows did Steve host?

The veteran DJ presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2.

Steve also presented the popular Sunday Love Songs mid-morning show on Radio 2.

Steve’s final show

Steve Wright was on air just two days ago sharing his favourite love songs ahead of Valentines Day.

Wright shared his favourite romantic tunes, set to play tomorrow.

During the show the legend signed off saying: “I’ll be back for more love songs next Sunday.”

‘A brilliantly creative, funny, warm, intelligent, hard-working & energetic man’

Piers Morgan wrote: “RIP Steve Wright, 69. One of Britain’s greatest ever radio broadcasters.

“A brilliantly creative, funny, warm, intelligent, hard-working & energetic man. Absolutely loved him, on and off air. So sad to hear this news.

“Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve.”

Eamonn Holmes shares tribute

TV presenter Eamonn Holmes has paid tribute to Steve on X this evening.

The star focussed on the Radio DJ’s “voice and vision” in his touching tribute.

Steve’s career at the BBC

Steve was born in Greenwich, south London, in 1954 and began his career at the BBC as a clerk.

In 1976, he briefly left the broadcaster for Thames Valley Radio but returned four years later to present weekend programmes.

The move paid off and his defining show Steve Wright in the Afternoon was launched in 1981.

Although a scheduling shake-up meant Scott Mills took over his afternoon slot, Steve stayed on to present Sunday Love Songs.

‘The Radio 2 family are in mourning’

Presenter Jeremy Vine told BBC News: “It’s come as a complete shock to us. The Radio 2 family are in mourning. The thing about Steve is that he was 69 when he died, but he still sounded like he did when he was 30. He was such an incredible professional… a lovely man.

“He was so encouraging to the next generation of presenters like me. He was so generous with his time. He was such a huge figure in British radio. That cheerful voice is gone, and there are so many people who will feel his loss.”

BBC director general pays tribute

BBC director general Tim Davie 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.”

BBC Radio 2 share tribute

BBC Radio 2 has shared a tribute following the shock news.

In a post on X they said: “We’re incredibly saddened to announce that our friend and colleague Steve Wright MBE has passed away.

“We’ll miss you greatly Steve.”

Tributes flood in for radio star

Tributes have flooded in following the shock news of Steve’s death.

Presenter Sara Cox said: “It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news.

“Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a 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.”