Steve Wright was in talks to front a television show just weeks before his death, a friend has disclosed.
The former Radio 2 DJ died unexpectedly aged 69 on Monday with his publicist telling the press that he had been broken-hearted by the BBC’s decision to replace him with Scott Mills.
Wright’s friend Simon Margaroli claimed on Saturday that the BBBC had been in touch about a potential new series that he could front.
“He talked of an imminent meeting with a lady from the BBC regarding a new TV series that he was hoping to be involved with, which he was very excited about,” he said.
“He said that it was about people such as airline stewardesses or restaurant managers, chambermaids, and traffic wardens all spilling the beans about their lives, basically the people we all see every day but never hear their stories.”
Separately, Wright had been linked to a new Radio 2 spin off station that is among several new channels the BBC is set to launch.
Wright had been slated to present a show called Sunday Love Songs.
"[It will] 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,” a BBC statement read.
Wright is being mourned by stars across the country after his death on Monday.
Scott Mills tweeted in tribute: 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.”
