Steve Wright's pal Jo Whiley reveals late DJ's 'secret generous acts'

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Jo also described her friend
Jo also described her friend's death as 'horrendous'

STEVE Wright's pal Jo Whiley has today revealed the late DJ's "secret generous acts", two months after his tragic death.

The BBC Radio 2 legend died suddenly in February leaving his friends, family and fans devastated.

Steve Wright was just 69 when he died suddenly in February eiqekidqeidqprw
Steve Wright was just 69 when he died suddenly in February
Jo Whiley has paid tribute to Steve
Jo Whiley has paid tribute to SteveCredit: Rex
The radio legend, pictured in 1980, left was a much-loved radio star
The radio legend, pictured in 1980, left was a much-loved radio starCredit: Rex

Steve's good pal and co-worker Jo today paid a sweet tribute to her friend, describing his death as "horrendous".

She also talked about the kind acts he would do to help others. by passing on his radio wisdom.

Speaking to The Mirror, Jo said: “I don’t think any of us realise but he was like it with all of us.

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

“What an amazing man to give so much of himself and his radio knowledge to us.

"Losing Steve was horrendous.

"It knocked us all for six because we always felt like he was going to be there.

"He was a bit like the father figure because he gave us so much advice, he was so caring and nurturing.”

Jo's tribute comes just days after Steve's Radio 2 replacement was announced.

It's been revealed that Michael Ball will be the new voice for Love Songs on Radio 2 every Sunday.

The singer said that he's "nervous" to continue Steve's legacy but is excited to get started.

"Steve made Love Songs 'appointment to listen' radio. I'm beyond excited and more than a little nervous to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy," he said.

"Beautiful, moving, relaxing and uplifting music to lift the soul on a Sunday morning, coupled with the stories, suggestions, requests and precious memories from you, the listener, will ensure that this won't be just MY show, but OUR show," he added.

Steve's family shared the devastating news of his death on February 13. He was 69.

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

Just one day before he died, he played his favourite love songs for listeners in preparation for Valentine's Day.

Jo (middle back) pictured with Steve (far right) and their Radio 2 co-workers
Jo (middle back) pictured with Steve (far right) and their Radio 2 co-workersCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

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

On his final Sunday Love Songs show, which was said to have "brought joy to millions", Steve welcomed listeners in his usual cheery way - singing along to the tunes.

He went on to say the two-hour show would be made up of "the greatest love songs of all time".

Steve was his happy self, joking that he and others on the show slow-danced in the work kitchen.

Steve was an outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.

Ken Bruce

He also gave special Valentine's Day shout-outs to lovers across the country.

The news of Steve's death rocked the nation, with tributes and sweet memories flooding in.

One of his co-stars revealed he'd tragically missed out on saying his final farewell.

Former Radio 2 DJ Ken Bruce, 73, who has since switched to Greatest Hits Radio after leaving the BBC last year - took to X to confess: "Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright.

"We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE.

"An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio."

Steve's cause of death is yet to be revealed.

Steve was a true radio icon
Steve was a true radio iconCredit: News Group Newspapers Ltd

Joanne Kavanagh

Radio, Celebrity deaths, BBC Radio 2, BBC, Steve Wright

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