fond farewell
Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay lead tributes as showbiz worlds mourns legendary radio DJ Steve Wright as he dies aged 69
His family shared the sad news today and his last show has been revealed
TRIBUTES have come pouring in for radio DJ Steve Wright following the news of his death age 69.
The veteran presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2.
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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.
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"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."
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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."
Jo Whiley thanked Steve, "the broadcaster's broadcaster", for all his support over the years, following his death.
She wrote: "What a man. What a legend. The broadcaster's broadcaster.
Sara Cox’s tribute to Steve Wright who tragically died had been on air just days ago
"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."
TV presenter Eamonn Holmes continued the tributes, writing: “In a World of Mediocrity …. Steve Wright had talent . He had the voice and the vision and my Sunday mornings will be a lot poorer without him . RIP Steve.”
Piers Morgan shared a picture with Steve and commented: "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."
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."
The word legend was truly made for you Steve
Vernon Kay
Top Gear star Richard Hammond expressed his upset, writing: "Steve Wright has left us. Heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.
"He was the reason I started my career. Steve, you changed radio and thus broadcasting for us and shall be very, very sadly missed. Go Well."
Fellow DJ Tony Blackburn added: “I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company. I was shocked at the news and will miss him terribly.”
Steve’s last show was a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of the programme.
His family breaks the news
Steve's 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.
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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."
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