STEVE Wright’s final radio show will “never be aired” after the BBC legend promised fans “I’ll be back”.
The veteran DJ, who presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon and fronted Top Of The Pops, passed away aged 69 this week.
Listeners last heard his voice on Sunday, as he pre-recorded a Valentine’s Day special of his Love Songs programme.
During the show the legend signed off saying: “I’ll be back for more love songs next Sunday.
“Ta-ta then.”
However, a BBC source has now revealed that another of his shows was “in the can” and won’t be airing.
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A source told MailOnline: “Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago… we were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious.”
Wright’s family revealed his death to the world yesterday.
His mourning loved ones 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.
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“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.”
He had been due to front a new BBC spin-off show as the broadcaster planned to launch four fresh stations.
Steve joined the BBC in the 1970s and spent four decades hosting his beloved afternoon shows.
He also fronted TV programmes for the broadcaster, including Top Of The Pops.
Tributes have flooded in from colleagues, including from presenter Sara Cox.
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She 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.”
Zoe Ball said: “Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, 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.”
Nicki Chapman, who was standing in for Zoe on her Breakfast Show, broke down as she read out tributes from listeners, saying it was a “difficult day”.
Jo Whiley wrote: “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.”
From bullied schoolboy to BBC legend
By Jane Matthews
STEVE Wright went from being a bullied schoolboy cruelly dubbed ‘Big Nose’ to a BBC radio legend.
Wright was born in Greenwich, London and attended Eastwood High School in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
It was there that he was cruelly nicknamed Big Nose and Concorde.
His 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 to become 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.
But in 2022 he announced he was stepping back from his Afternoon show after more than two decades.
He said at the time: “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.”
The axing saw him take another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show – which he last appeared on just days ago.
Chris Evans, who was also a stalwart on Radio 1 and 2 for many years before joining Virgin Radio, said Wright was to afternoons as Sir Terry Wogan was to breakfast.
Wake Up To Wogan on Radio 2 ran from 1993 to 2009 and was the most listened-to radio show in the UK.
Evans wrote on Instagram: “Oh my goodness. What terribly sad news.
“It goes without saying that Steve was the soundtrack to millions of our afternoons for decades.
“Nobody will ever come close to the length and breadth of the way he encompassed all things entertainment, in his own highly original and light-hearted style.
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“He was to afternoons as Sir Terry was to breakfast.
“One half of the greatest morning and evening drive-time double act UK radio has ever had the amazing good fortune of having on its airwaves.”
