WRIGHT'S RISE
How Steve Wright went from bullied schoolboy cruelly dubbed ‘Big Nose’ to BBC radio legend before show was suddenly axed
Legend's journey to becoming radio star revealed
STEVE Wright went from being a bullied schoolboy cruelly dubbed 'Big Nose' to a BBC radio legend.
The legend tragically died aged 69, his heartbroken loved ones announced today.
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The star had been on air for BBC for decades, but he didn't have an easy start in life.
Steve 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.
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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.
Wright's defining show Steve Wright in the Afternoon was launched in 1981 - and the rest was history.
But in 2022 he announced he was stepping back from his Afternoon Show after more than two decades when the BBC axed his slot.
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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."
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In the final video snapped of him, Wright said: "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."
Sara Cox’s tribute to Steve Wright who tragically died had been on air just days ago
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."
The axing saw him take another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show - which he last appeared on 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 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.
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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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