Janice Long, the pioneering BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 presenter, has died at the age of 66 after a short illness. She passed away at home with her family by her side on Christmas Day.
Long was the first woman to host her own daily show on Radio 1 and also presented Top of the Pops for five years, another first for a female presenter. She was one of the main presenters of the Live Aid concert in 1985 and hosted a late-night slot on Radio 2.
Her husband Paul Berry said he had 'lost the love of my life', while her daughter Blue described her as a 'trailblazer for so many women'. Her son Fred said she 'inspired me to be what I want'.
Long championed many artists early in their careers, including Adele, Amy Winehouse, The Smiths, and Primal Scream. She gave Winehouse her first radio session.
Born in Liverpool, she was the sister of fellow presenter Keith Chegwin, who died in 2017. Long began her broadcasting career at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979 before joining Radio 1 in 1983.
BBC director general Tim Davie described her as a 'stellar presenter', and tributes have poured in from across the music and radio industries.
