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      Why did Steve Wright leave Radio 2?

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      BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has died aged 69.Following the news of Steve’s passing, we take a look at his successful career – from hosting hit shows for more than four decades to his departure from Radio 2.
      Radio DJ Steve Wright has passed away aged 69Credit: Alamy
      Who was Steve Wright?
      Steve Wright, born August 26, 1954, was an English disc jockey, radio personality, and occasional television presenter.
      Born in Greenwich, South East London, Steve left school with three O-Levels and went to work in ­marine insurance before joining the BBC to work as a clerk in the gramophone library.
      After landing the BBC role, Steve was inspired to chance his arm in broadcasting – and he did just that.
      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.Sara Cox
      In 1976, the star joined an independent radio station in Reading, where he worked alongside DJ Mike Read and met his ex-wife Cyndi – a local newspaper journalist who had been sent to interview the duo.
      Read More on Steve Wright
      Following this, Steve then made a move to Radio Luxembourg, before returning to the UK in 1980 to join Radio 1 – where he took over the popular breakfast show in 1994.
      However, his stint there was short and the star made the move to Talk Radio in 1995, after only a year.
      Steve then left Talk Radio to return to the BBC once more – this time on Radio 2, with Steve Wright’s Saturday Show and Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs.
      The radio DJ also presented the huge hit that was the Steve Wright in the Afternoon programme from 1999 to 2022.
      Most read in Showbiz
      Listeners last heard his voice in February 2024, as he pre-recorded a Valentine’s Day special of his Love Songs programme.
      In addition to achieving radio success, Steve also worked within the world of television.
      ‘It’s like a family bereavement’ says Sara Cox as she fights back tears during emotional Morning Live tribute to Steve Wright
      He hosted a variety of shows such as Top of the Pops, Home Truths, The Steve Wright People Show and Auntie’s TV Favourites.
      Why did Steve Wright leave Radio 2?
      Steve Wright presented his last afternoon Radio 2 show on Friday, September 30, 2022.
      Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve.Piers Morgan
      Speaking about the shock move, the DJ said at the time: “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.”
      Following his departure, host Scott Mills moved into Radio 2’s 14:00-16:00 slot.
      The axing saw Steve take another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show.
      When did Steve Wright pass away?
      The 69-year old radio DJ passed away on February 12, 2024.
      Following the tragic news, tributes have poured in for the ”extraordinary broadcaster”.
      Paying tribute to Steve, 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.”
      Piers Morgan added: “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.”
      Meanwhile, 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.”
      Who announced Steve Wright’s death?
      On February 13, 2024, Steve Wright’s family announced the news of his tragic passing.
      A statement shared by his 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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      ”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.” More

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      Radio 2 legend reveals he tragically missed final lunch with Steve Wright despite plans to celebrate his MBE

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      A BBC Radio 2 legend has revealed he tragically missed a final lunch with pal Steve Wright before the DJ’s unexpected death aged 69.News of the veteran DJ’s passing prompted an outpouring of grief on Tuesday, with plentiful loving memories shared in tribute to the Steve Wright in the Afternoon, Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs and ex Top of the Pops host.
      A BBC Radio 2 legend has revealed he missed a final lunch with pal Steve Wright
      Ken Bruce – who quit Radio 2 last year – had been organising a catch-up with his palCredit: PA
      Steve’s death, aged 69, stunned his loyal listeners and co-stars alikeCredit: X/@BBCRadio2
      Yet one co-star who didn’t get to say a final farewell was Ken Bruce, 73.
      The former Radio 2 DJ – who has since switched to Greatest Hits Radio after leaving the BBC last year – took to X to confess: “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.”
      read more steve wright
      The pair were close pals, with Ken wishing Steve a happy birthday live on air in August 2015.
      An image showing the sweet moment has now resurfaced on X, showing the pair enjoying a huge hug.
      Ken’s confession came after it was revealed Steve’s BBC co-stars knew about his health battles yet his final passing still came as a shock.
      Today, Nicki Chapman broke down as she read tributes to her late colleague as she stood in for Zoe Ball.
      Most read in Celebrity
      The Pop Idol judge said on Radio 2: “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.
      Radio 2’s Nicki Chapman breaks down in tears live on air as she reads tributes to Steve Wright after his death at 69
      “He was our mate, talking to us in our kitchens as we made a brew, in our bedrooms, in the shower, in our cars, taxis, lorries, in our form rooms at school, in our gardens, at work – he was always in our hearts.”
      Nicki added: “It is a difficult day, it is a difficult day for all of us but we are doing him justice.”
      She was one of a host of famous faces and loyal listeners who paid tribute to Steve yesterday.
      Meanwhile, Greg James opened this morning’s Radio 1 Breakfast show with Steve’s iconic radio jingle amid his own raw tribute.
      Steve was due to be part of BBC Radio’s plans to launch four new stations over the airwaves.
      His passing was his viewed by colleagues as “very, very sudden” – making yesterday’s announcement even harder to digest.
      It is not currently clear what the radio legend’s health battle was – with his cause of death, as yet, unknown.
      Yet what is clear is that he delighted his thousands of loyal listeners week on week.
      Steve’s story saw him rise from a life in poverty to becoming a broadcasting legend.
      He was born in Greenwich, in South East London and his dad Dick managed a Burton’s men’s clothing store in central London.
      Yet the family did not have a proper bathroom in their New Cross home.
      He and his brother washed in a tin bath — but Steve did not consider himself to be poor.
      The greatest struggle in his early days was with asthma, which meant he was in and out of hospital until the age of 11.
      Steve said: “At one stage they put me in an oxygen tent.
      “I would sometimes be in Greenwich Hospital for three to four days.
      “We used to live in New Cross and I think it was the heavy pollution of London that brought it on.”
      Off-air, he also led a life away from fame after divorcing his wife Cyndi in 1999,
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He once admitted he could not find love because “I work on an afternoon show on the BBC and do a love songs show at the weekend. and rarely socialised.
      Steve’s final Radio 2 show aired just three days ago, during which the fan-favourite broadcaster was entertaining listeners with a pre-recorded special Valentine’s Day edition of his Love Songs programme.
      Ken, 73, admitted he was ‘totally shocked’ by news of Steve’s passingCredit: Rex
      The broadcasting legend’s upbringing has now been revealedCredit: Rex More

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      Moment Greg James pays emotional tribute to Steve Wright after his death at 69 with massive Radio 1 shake up

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      GREG James emotionally paid tribute to the late Steve Wright with a massive BBC Radio 1 shake up this morning.The veteran BBC radio broadcaster passed away aged 69 on Monday, with his death viewed by colleagues as “very, very sudden”.
      Greg James paid tribute to the late Steve Wright on Radio 1 todayCredit: Getty
      During today’s Radio 1 Breakfast show, host Greg James played Steve’s theme tune in memory of his predecessor, who fronted the programme between 1994 and 1995.
      He told viewers: “It was only gonna be one song to start. Loved the show, Steve.”
      It is not currently clear what the radio legend’s health battle was.
      He was due to be part of BBC Radio’s plans to launch four new stations over the airwaves.
      read more on greg james
      Jo Whiley said it felt “very strange” to be doing a tribute show to Steve given she had seen him “only days ago”.
      “(This is) a very strange show to be doing,” she said.
      “It’s extremely hard to know what to say and to be talking about someone that you saw only days ago in this very studio where I am right now – doing a tribute show to that person just does not feel right.”
      His friend and long-time BBC radio colleague Ken Bruce said he was “totally shocked” by the news as he revealed they were planning to celebrate Steve’s “richly deserved” MBE with a lunch in the near future.
      Most read in Showbiz
      “An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio,” he added.
      Steve lost 20 per cent of the hearing in his right ear after prodding it with a birthday cake candle at the age of ten.
      BBC Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright passes away at the age of 69
      And he suffered from a hereditary inflammation of the eyelids, which gave the appearance that he was tired.
      At school Steve faced cruel taunts about his appearance.
      He once said: “In my teens I was known as Concorde, on account of my big hooter.”
      Steve 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.
      A statement shared to the broadcaster by 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.”
      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.
      Steve 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.
      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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      Steve continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and from October last year, he presented the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, which had previously been fronted by Paul Gambaccini.
      Steve appeared on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded special Valentine’s Day edition of his Love Songs programme.
      Keep up to date with the latest news, gossip and scandals on our celebrity live blog
      The veteran BBC radio broadcaster passed away aged 69 on Monday
      During today’s Breakfast show, host Greg James played Steve’s theme tune More

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      Radio 2’s Nicki Chapman breaks down in tears live on air as she reads tributes to Steve Wright after his death at 69

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      THE sudden death of legendary broadcaster Steve Wright has moved his colleagues to tears live on radio.Radio 2’s Nicki Chapman broke down as she read out listeners’ tributes hours after news of the 69-year-old’s shock passing was revealed.
      Steve Wright’s death was announced on Tuesday eveningCredit: Alamy
      Nicki Campbell broke down in tears on air todayCredit: Getty
      Presenter Nicki – who is standing in for Zoe Ball this week – encouraged listeners to send in their tributes, but one in particular moved her to tears.
      Nicki’s voice broke mid-sentence as she read out a message from a fan who explained they had once been a guest presenter on Steve’s show in 2016, thanks to a Children In Need competition.
      She read: “It was around the time of my 50th birthday celebrations and it was all my birthdays and Christmases at once.
      “In person, he was the kind, funny, humble and lovable person I had listened to…”
      READ MORE ON STEVE WRIGHT
      Nicki then stopped as she attempted to hold back tears, before bravely carrying on saying: “…over the airways all my life. I am heartbroken says Fran in Cumbria.”
      A song followed the listener’s heartfelt message as Nicki composed herself.
      When the presenter returned to the airwaves she confessed: “I said to myself I wasn’t going to cry and I have done it once.
      “The tears are there but hopefully they are not going to keep falling.
      Most read in Celebrity
      “Today we are looking at the great, great man himself.”
      Earlier in the show, Nicki said: “It is so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us.
      Steve Wright says ‘sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t’ in heartbreaking last video before his death aged 69
      “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.
      Read more:

      “He was our mate, talking to us in our kitchens as we made a brew, in our bedrooms, in the shower, in our cars, taxis, lorries, in our form rooms at school, in our gardens, at work – he was always in our hearts.”
      Nicki added: “It is a difficult day, it is a difficult day for all of us but we are doing him justice.”
      Insiders say BBC stars knew radio veteran Steve was “struggling with his health” but his death was still a “huge, huge shock”.
      It is not currently clear what the radio legend’s health battle was.
      Steve 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.
      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.
      Steve had been due to be part of BBC Radio’s plans to launch four new stations over the airwaves.
      A statement shared to the broadcaster by 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.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “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.” More

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      Steve Wright says ‘sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t’ in heartbreaking last video before his death aged 69

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      IN the final video snapped of BBC Radio star Steve Wright he heartbreakingly said: “Sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t.” The legend tragically died aged 69, his heartbroken loved ones announced today.
      BBC legend Steve Wright was last photographed after he was axed from his show in 2022Credit: BBC
      Wright was photographed out and about with a brief case in hand in 2021 – donning a bright-coloured tieCredit: MagicmomentsUK
      He’s also been seen enjoying a glass of red the year priorCredit: MagicmomentsUK
      Tributes are already pouring in for him, with Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay leading the kind words.
      Wright was last snapped outside the BBC studios, after he was axed from his Afternoon Show slot in 2022.
      Speaking about the shock move, the DJ said at the time: “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.”
      Read more on showbiz
      He continued: “I’ve been offered loads of stuff at the BBC and I’m staying at Radio 2.
      “What it actually means for me is rather than working six days a week, I’ll be working maybe two and a half days a week.
      “So maybe I can get lunch, maybe I can have a rest, whatever, for a little while.”
      He’d also said on air 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.”
      Most read in Showbiz
      Prior to that, he was last seen jumping into a black cab with a briefcase in hand, and a face mask on, in 2021.
      He donned a bright tie as he wandered the streets of London.

      Read more on the tragedy…

      Wright was also snapped the year prior, enjoying a glass of wine and meal.
      The star’s family today announced his tragic death.
      Steve Wright dead at 69- BBC Radio 2 presenter passes away as fans share tributes
      His mourning loved ones this afternoon 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 are pouring in for the legend from fellow radio stars.
      Colleague Sara Cox broke down in tears live on air today as she announced Wright had died.
      From bullied schoolboy to BBC legendBy 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.

      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.
      “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.” 
      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.”
      Vernon Kay, who also presents on Radio 2, shared a lengthy post about the loss.
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      “Words, alone, do not feel enough, to attempt to describe the respect I had, for this man; this titan of radio and someone I was so proud to call a friend,” he wrote.
      “Thank you Steve, for the decades of joy you brought to the airwaves, entertaining us all with your wit, warmth and that most wonderful of voices.”
      The star’s family today announced his tragic deathCredit: Alamy
      Wright had been with the BBC for decadesCredit: Getty More

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      Steve Wright was set for huge new BBC radio gig just days before tragic death aged 69

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      STEVE Wright was set for a huge new BBC radio gig which was revealed just days before his tragic death aged 69.The broadcasting legend was due to be part of BBC Radio’s plans to launch four new stations over the airwaves.
      Steve was set to be a part of the BBC’s new Radio 2 spin-off channel
      His passing has shook the industryCredit: Alamy
      One of the four new channels will be a BBC Radio 2 spin-off station, and Steve was set to be hosting a new version of his Sunday Love Songs show, made especially for the launching network.
      The BBC said the station would “bring heritage artist catalogues and stories to life in a much deeper and more richly textured manner than the main mixed-genre Radio 2 schedule can allow.”
      While Steve would have been an obvious favourite to be one of the key faces on the new station, sadly it was not to be.
      His family confirmed the shock news today that Steve has passed away.
      read more on steve wright
      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.

      Read more on the tragedy…

      Most read in Celebrity
      “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.”
      Steve’s colleagues at the BBC have also spoken of their devastation.
      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.”
      Sara Cox’s tribute to Steve Wright who tragically died had been on air just days ago
      Vernon Kay, who took over from Steve’s old slot, shared a long post about the loss.
      “Words, alone, do not feel enough, to attempt to describe the respect I had, for this man; this titan of radio and someone I was so proud to call a friend,” he wrote.
      “Thank you Steve, for the decades of joy you brought to the airwaves, entertaining us all with your wit, warmth and that most wonderful of voices.”
      READ MORE SUN STORIES
      He continued: “On a personal level I’ll never forget your kindness for mentoring me in my early years of radio broadcasting, for the hours we spent chatting and laughing on the phone. You always so generously imparted your wisdom and advice.
      “The word “ legend “ was truly made for you Steve. You will be so missed by everyone. Rest in peace, my friend.”
      Steve on the radio in `1980Credit: Rex
      Steve was beloved by all his former colleaguesCredit: Alamy More

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      Steve Wright’s heartbreaking last show saw BBC legend share favourite love songs before promising fans ‘I’ll be back’

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      A BBC Radio 2 legend who tragically died had been on air just days ago sharing his favourite love songs. Steve Wright passed away aged 69, his heartbroken family announced today.
      Veteran presenter Steven Wright has tragically died
      Wright, pictured in 1980, had been on air for decadesCredit: Rex
      His heartbroken family today announced his deathCredit: Getty
      The star was last photographed after he was axed from his show in 2022Credit: BBC
      The veteran presented the Afternoon Show for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2.
      His last show was on Sunday, as he pre-recorded a Valentine’s Day special of his Love Songs programme.
      There, 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.
      Read more on showbiz
      “Ta-ta then.”
      His Sunday Love Songs show “brought joy to millions of listeners”, Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said this afternoon.
      On his final show, Wright welcomed listeners in his usual cheery way – singing along to the tunes.
      He went on to say the two-hour show would be made up of “the greatest love songs of all time”.
      Most read in Showbiz

      Wright was his happy self, joking that he and others on the show slow-danced in the work kitchen.
      He gave special Valentine’s Day shout-outs to lovers across the country.
      Sara Cox’s tribute to Steve Wright who tragically died had been on air just days ago
      The star’s family today announced the legend’s death.
      Tributes are already pouring in for him, with Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay leading them.
      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.
      “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.”
      From bullied schoolboy to BBC legendBy 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. More

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      Steve Wright dead at 69: BBC Radio 2 presenter passes away as fans share tributes

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      BBC Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has tragically died aged 69 after bringing joy to listeners for more than 40 years.The veteran DJ presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon and fronted Top of the Pops.
      Steve Wright has tragically passed away aged 69Credit: BBC
      The DJ had been a permanent fixture at the BBC for 40 yearsCredit: Getty
      Steve also presented Top of the PopsCredit: BBC
      Steve also presented the popular Sunday Love Songs mid-morning show on Radio 2.
      His family said in a moving statement today: “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.
      Read more news
      “As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.”
      Steve’s last show was a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day edition of Sunday Love Songs.
      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.
      Most read in Showbiz
      He also fronted TV programmes for the broadcaster, including Top of the Pops.
      Tributes have flooded in from colleagues, including from presenter Sara Cox.

      Read more on the tragedy…

      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.”
      Radio 2 fans in tears as Steve Wright hosts his last ever show after 23 years on air
      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.”
      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 all the wonderful entertainment, Steve.Piers Morgan
      “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.”
      While Piers Morgan said: “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.”
      Steve was born in Greenwich, south London, in 1954 and began his career at the BBC as a clerk.
      From bullied schoolboy to BBC legendBy 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.

      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.
      Speaking about the shock axing, the DJ said at the time: “Sometimes people don’t want you”.
      He continued: “I’ve been offered loads of stuff at the BBC and I’m staying at Radio 2. What it actually means for me is rather than working six days a week, I’ll be working maybe two and a half days a week.”
      In his personal life, Steve was married to US-born Cindi Robinson until they divorced in 1999.
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      He later revealed he had struggled to find love since due to his demanding radio schedule.
      Most recently, Steve was made an MBE in the New Year Honours for services to radio.
      The star was last photographed after he was axed from his show in 2022Credit: BBC
      Tributes have flooded in for the veteran presenterCredit: Rex
      Steve was one of the BBC’s longest-serving DJsCredit: Alamy
      He also fronted a number of TV shows, including Top of the PopsCredit: Alamy
      Steve and Cindi Robinson got married in 1972 More