TRIBUTES poured in following the sad news that Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright sadly died aged 69.
Following the news, we take a look at his successful career - from hosting hit shows for more than four decades to his departure from Radio 2.
Who was Steve Wright?
Steve Wright, born August 26, 1954, was an English disc jockey, radio personality, and occasional television presenter.
Born in Greenwich, South East London, Steve left school with three O-Levels and went to work in marine insurance before joining the BBC to work as a clerk in the gramophone library.
After landing the BBC role, Steve was inspired to chance his arm in broadcasting - and he did just that.
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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.
Sara Cox
In 1976, the star joined an independent radio station in Reading, where he worked alongside DJ Mike Read and met his ex-wife Cyndi - a local newspaper journalist who had been sent to interview the duo.
Following this, Steve then made a move to Radio Luxembourg, before returning to the UK in 1980 to join Radio 1 - where he took over the popular breakfast show in 1994.
However, his stint there was short and the star made the move to Talk Radio in 1995, after only a year.
Steve then left Talk Radio to return to the BBC once more - this time on Radio 2, with Steve Wright’s Saturday Show and Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs.
The radio DJ also presented the huge hit that was the Steve Wright in the Afternoon programme from 1999 to 2022.
Listeners last heard his voice in February 2024, as he pre-recorded a Valentine's Day special of his Love Songs programme.
In addition to achieving radio success, Steve also worked within the world of television.
He hosted a variety of shows such as Top of the Pops, Home Truths, The Steve Wright People Show and Auntie’s TV Favourites.
Why did Steve Wright leave Radio 2?
Steve Wright presented his last afternoon Radio 2 show on Friday, September 30, 2022.
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Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve.
Piers Morgan
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."
However, Steve continued to do his Sunday Love Songs show on Radio 2.
Who replaced Steve Wright on Radio 2?
Following Steve's departure from hosting his afternoon show on Radio 2, host Scott Mills moved into the 2pm to 4pm slot.
After the DJ's sad death, Scott paid tribute to his predecessor.
“I wouldn’t want to start the show today and not talk about Steve, what an absolute legend,” he said at the beginning of his afternoon show on February 14, 2024.
“An absolute broadcasting titan. The man who made it sound so effortless, but worked the hardest out of everyone, to be in this slot will forever be an honour.”
When did Steve Wright pass away?
The 69-year old radio DJ passed away on February 12, 2024.
Following the tragic news, tributes have poured in for the ''extraordinary broadcaster''.
Paying tribute to Steve, presenter Sara Cox 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."
Piers Morgan added: "RIP Steve Wright, 69. One of Britain’s greatest ever radio broadcasters.
"A brilliantly creative, funny, warm, intelligent, hard-working & energetic man. Absolutely loved him, on and off air. So sad to hear this news.
"Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve."
Meanwhile, 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."
Who announced Steve Wright's death?
On February 13, 2024, Steve Wright’s family announced the news of his tragic passing.
A statement shared by his family 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.
''As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.''
