Steve Wright, the veteran BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 presenter, has died at the age of 69. His family announced his death 'with deep sorrow and profound regret' on Tuesday. Wright was last on air on Sunday, hosting a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of his Love Songs programme, and passed away on Monday.
Wright joined the BBC in the 1970s as a clerk before launching his broadcasting career at Radio 210 in Reading in 1976. He returned to the BBC in 1980 to present weekend programmes on Radio 1, and from 1981 hosted the iconic Steve Wright in the Afternoon show. He later moved to Radio 2 in 1996, where he presented Sunday Love Songs and relaunched his afternoon show in 1999, remaining in that slot until 2022.
Tributes poured in from colleagues. Sara Cox described Wright as 'an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, witty, warm, and a huge part of the Radio 2 family'. Jeremy Vine said his death came 'as a complete shock', adding: 'He was such an incredible professional... a lovely man.' Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas praised Wright's 'consummate professionalism' and his understanding of radio's connection with listeners.
Wright was honoured for services to radio in the 2023 New Year Honours list. He leaves behind his son Tom, daughter Lucy, brother Laurence, and father Richard.
