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Steve Wright's poor diet 'contributed to his death', says BBC DJ's brother

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The star
The star 'hid his health problems from his family'

STEVE Wright's brother has spoken out on the radio star's cause of death and claimed he was fighting a hidden health battle.

The veteran radio presenter passed away at the age of 69 and was found dead at his London flat on Monday.

Veteran presenter Steven Wright has tragically died eiqkiqhxiqxdprw
Veteran presenter Steven Wright has tragically died
Steve was a much-loved radio icon and personality
Steve was a much-loved radio icon and personalityCredit: Alamy
Broadcasting legend Steve has been described as the last 'of the old guard'
Broadcasting legend Steve has been described as the last 'of the old guard'Credit: Rex Features
Steve's brother has claimed that his diet and battling secret health issues caused his death
Steve's brother has claimed that his diet and battling secret health issues caused his deathCredit: Getty

Police and paramedics scrambled to a flat in the Marylebone area of central London on Monday morning.

But cops said that Steve's death was "not being treated as suspicious" after he was pronounced dead at the scene.

His heartbroken brother Laurence Wright, 65, has now blamed the BBC star's death on his poor diet, reports MailOnline.

R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74R&B star Anita Pointer of The Pointer Sisters dies aged 74

Laurence says Steve's tendency for eating out at restaurants combined with his reluctance to talk about various "health issues", were the main factors behind his shock death.

Laurence, a director of a company in the health industry, said: "He was aware that he could have looked after himself better, in his lifestyle choices. Obviously we all wish he had.

"It's like anyone who doesn't look after themselves over an extended period. "

His devastated sibling added that Steve was a "stoic" man who didn't complain and kept his family in the dark about his health.

Laurence added: "The normal stuff - diet, nutrition, exercise, sleep, stress - he was a very stoic kind of guy as well so if he had something wrong with him and he had to go to have some treatment or go to the doctors, he wouldn't talk about it.

"He was the kind of guy who would just carry on, take care of it, not talk about it, not make a big thing, that kind of stoic sort of attitude.

"That's just how he was - that probably didn't help really, because he wouldn't have help or take advice necessarily."

Celebrity publicist Gary Farrow told The Sun that his friend of 40 years was "devastated" to lose his massively popular Radio 2 slot two years ago.

However, Garry added that his pal had no real medical problems to speak of.

But he did admit that Steve's diet could have been better.

Celtic icon Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 as tributes paid to hero after cancer fightCeltic icon Frank McGarvey dies aged 66 as tributes paid to hero after cancer fight

He exclusively told The Sun: "From what I know, he didn’t have any real medical problems - he was always taking ­vitamins and popping pills.

"Sure, he didn't really eat broccoli and he liked McDonald's, but he was such a character, the likes of which I don’t think we will see again."

Gary blasted BBC bosses who deemed Steve "too old", saying there was no one more "current".

He told how his "painfully shy" friend "needed an arm round the shoulder" from his bosses — but it never came.

Gary continued: "He would spend hours and hours researching before a show, checking out guests and doing his homework. Radio was his life.

"He was Mr Showbiz. He was the first to discuss and champion new books, films, records and TV shows, and so progressive in that respect.

"So quite how the BBC could decide he was 'too old' or not ­current enough is a joke.

"There was no one more current or on the pulse than Steve. There was no one more relevant."

It was also claimed that he "died of a broken heart" after being dumped by the BBC.

The veteran disc jockey presented the Afternoon Show for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2.

His last show was on Sunday, as he pre-recorded a Valentine's Day special of his Love Songs programme.

There, Wright shared his favourite romantic tunes.

During the show the legend signed off saying: "I'll be back for more love songs next Sunday.

"Ta-ta then."

His Sunday Love Songs show "brought joy to millions of listeners", Helen Thomas, Head of Radio 2, said this afternoon.

Friend Anthony James shared what is believed to be the last picture of Wright - a selfie the pair took together.

James said: "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. I miss him."

Steve was well known for presenting Steve Wright in the Afternoon and fronted Top of the Pops.

In a statement on Tuesday, Wright's 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."

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."

Steve was last pictured with pal Anthony James in New York four weeks ago
Steve was last pictured with pal Anthony James in New York four weeks ago
The star was last photographed after he was axed from his show in 2022
The star was last photographed after he was axed from his show in 2022Credit: BBC

Ethan Singh

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