RADIO legend Steve Wright was "dumped by the BBC and treated like a tin of beans", Liz Kershaw has claimed.
The veteran DJ, who presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon and fronted Top of the Pops, this week passed away aged 69.
Wright was axed from his Afternoon Show slot in 2022.
Speaking about the shock move, the DJ said at the time: "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."
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But now Liz Kershaw, who worked at the Beeb for more than 30 years, has this morning blasted the BBC for its 'shabby' treatment of Steve.
Speaking on GB News she said: "New management said we're going to refresh the schedule - and they treat people like tins of beans on a shelf.
"I doubt that there was any follow-up, or any pastoral care, or any support for him.
"He didn't need money as he has been one of the highest-paid people on air.
"But, you know, I wonder if they considered how it affected him.
"There are some people for whom fame and attention are their oxygen. And he was one of those; it was absolutely his life."
Wright’s family revealed his death to the world yesterday.
His mourning loved ones 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.
"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.
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"As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time."
He had been due to front a new BBC spin-off show as the broadcaster planned to launch four fresh stations.
Steve joined the BBC in the 1970s and spent four decades hosting his beloved afternoon shows.
He also fronted TV programmes for the broadcaster, including Top of the Pops.
Tributes have flooded in from colleagues, including from presenter Sara Cox.
Read more:
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- The presenter went from being a bullied schoolboy to a radio legend
- The star's final heartbreaking video was revealed
- The DJ's hidden heartbreak after divorce from wife Cyndi Robinson
She said: "It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news.
"Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too."
Zoe Ball said: "Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love & most importantly laughter rest well you wonderful magic man.
"Life won't be the same without you here love you my friend my hero."
Jo Whiley wrote: "What a man. What a legend.
"The broadcaster's broadcaster.
"One of the kindest, loveliest people I've had the pleasure to work with.
"Thanks for the support & music chat over the years.
"Can't believe we won't meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty."
They treat people like tins of beans on a shelf.
Liz Kershaw on the BBC
Chris Evans, who was also a stalwart on Radio 1 and 2 for many years before joining Virgin Radio, said Wright was to afternoons as Sir Terry Wogan was to breakfast.
Wake Up To Wogan on Radio 2 ran from 1993 to 2009 and was the most listened-to radio show in the UK.
Evans wrote on Instagram: "Oh my goodness. What terribly sad news.
"It goes without saying that Steve was the soundtrack to millions of our afternoons for decades.
"Nobody will ever come close to the length and breadth of the way he encompassed all things entertainment, in his own highly original and light-hearted style.
"He was to afternoons as Sir Terry was to breakfast."
Steve was last pictured with pal Anthony James in New York four weeks ago.
The musican posted the photo to X, with the caption: "I can't sleep.
"I'm thinking of my dear friend Steve. We took this picture 4 weeks ago in New York. ]
"We were trying to do, as he put it 'ironic selfies'. He had such a love of Life and radio.
"He told me 'AJ the blond hair has to go!' I miss him."
A Radio 2 spokesperson told The Sun: “Steve was deeply loved by the Radio 2 family and listeners, and for almost three decades he hosted a raft of brilliant shows on the network enjoyed by millions.
"In addition to his past Saturday and Afternoon Shows, Steve’s Sunday Love Songs has been on air since 1996, and most recently Steve also hosted the legendary Pick of the Pops on Saturdays, alongside a variety of specials on Radio 2, and Steve Wright: The Best of the Guests, Steve Wright’s Summer Nights and Steve Wright’s Love Songs Extra on BBC Sounds. We will miss him dearly.”
