BBC radio legend Steve Wright has died at the age of 69, his devastated family have said in a statement to the broadcaster.
The radio personality, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, passed away on Monday.
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. 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."
Wright’s radio career at the broadcaster began in 1980 when he joined BBC Radio 1, presenting weekend programmes. He went on to launch Steve Wright in the Afternoon the following year - the show that would define his career.
In an emotional tribute, Wright’s BBC colleague 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."
Filmmaker Edgar Wright tweeted: “Sorry to hear about the passing of master DJ Steve Wright. Like many, I grew up with his very funny afternoon show on Radio 1 and so, when I appeared on his Radio 2 show years later, I was more than a little star struck by him. He was just as kind and funny off mic as he was on.”
Matt Lucas referred to Wright as “the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all” following the latter’s death at the age of 69.
In a post to X, the comedian wrote: “Steve Wright was the most brilliant radio broadcaster of them all.
“So gifted and natural and engaging.
“It was always a pleasure and an honour to appear on his show. What a huge loss.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Steve Wright on many occasions, said he was a unique broadcaster.
“He created a kind of club which whether he was interviewing you or whether you were enjoying it as a listener, you looked forward to joining every day,” she told the PA news agency.
“It is a very rare quality, and he made it sound easy. It was frequently very funny, and when he left his daily afternoon show he really knocked a hole in the day for many of us who relied on his company.”
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."
Radio 2 will celebrate Wright’s life with a range of programming across the station, according to the BBC.
