BBC Radio Leeds producer Andrew Evans, known to colleagues as Andy, died suddenly on Sunday, June 21. The 47-year-old produced the daily Breakfast with Rima Ahmed show, which airs from 6am to 10am. He had worked at the broadcaster for three years.
On-air tribute halts programme
On Wednesday, presenter David Dixon (Dixie) sat in for Rima Ahmed and shared a recorded message from her. Dixie introduced: "A little different here on the Breakfast Show this week, this is because all of us here at BBC Radio Leeds received some devastating news on Monday. Let's hear it from Rima."
Rima Ahmed paid tribute: "It's Rima here, and it's with deep sense of loss that I have to tell you that our beloved Andrew Evans, known here as producer Andy died suddenly on Sunday, June 21. All of us here at BBC Radio Leeds are absolutely devastated."
Family man and colleague
She described Andy as a devoted father to Tom and Ollie, saying: "I can't tell you how proud he was that you were his, that being your dad was just the best job, the best job he ever had. Ollie, he was so proud of your achievement at school and loved your hilarious comments. He often repeat them here. Tom, he loved your passion for music and sport, and being part of that world with you."
She also addressed his wife Emma: "Emma, he referred to you on air as missus, with such affection. You were the centre of his universe and he was so content with the life you both built together." Andy was also son to Pat and brother to Gareth. Rima noted: "He took great pride being an Evans, with Welsh roots and a Midlands state of mind, with a Yorkshire edge."
Listener reactions
Listeners paid tribute on social media. One wrote: "Really shocked this morning to hear on Radio Leeds, that Andy Evans, producer of breakfast, died on Sunday. Only heard him last week. He produced Andrew and Liz." Another said: "Thoughts and prayers are with the friends and family of Producer Andy Evans, everyone at BBC Radio Leeds and especially with the Breakfast Show team at this sad and difficult time With deepest sympathy."
Monday's programme was presented by Ellie Colton from BBC Radio Sheffield, covering both stations.
