Beloved television and radio personality Vernon Kay has broken his social media silence to pay a poignant and emotional tribute to his late BBC colleague, the legendary broadcaster Steve Wright.
The entertainment world was sent into a state of shock and mourning this week following the devastating announcement of Wright's sudden passing. Kay, a close friend and fellow Radio 1 alum, took to Instagram to share his profound grief with his legion of followers.
In a raw and heartfelt post, Kay wrote: "Absolutely heartbroken to hear the news. A wonderful, kind and talented man. My thoughts are with his family, friends and colleagues. A very sad day for the broadcasting world. Rest in peace, Steve."
The news of Wright's death was confirmed by his heartbroken family, who released a statement expressing their utter devastation and requesting privacy during this unimaginably difficult time. No cause of death has been disclosed.
Steve Wright was an undisputed giant of British radio, a fixture on the airwaves for over four decades. He was the creative mastermind behind the iconic Steve Wright in the Afternoon show and had most recently been hosting beloved Sunday morning programmes and serious interviews shows on BBC Radio 2.
Fellow broadcasting heavyweights have since flooded social media with their own tributes. Ken Bruce described him as "an extraordinary and talented broadcaster", while Sara Cox noted that "the world of radio has lost one of its brightest stars." Zoe Ball simply called him "a legend."
Vernon Kay's own career path closely mirrors that of his late friend. After finding fame on television, Kay successfully transitioned into a major radio role, currently hosting the prestigious mid-morning slot on BBC Radio 2, a station where Wright was a cornerstone for years.
This shared experience within the unique world of broadcasting undoubtedly forged a deep professional respect and personal bond between the two men, making Kay's public statement all the more powerful and genuine.
The loss of Steve Wright leaves a void in British broadcasting that will be profoundly felt by colleagues and millions of loyal listeners across the nation.
