Jeremy Vine paid an emotional tribute to legendary DJ Steve Wright on Wednesday morning following his death at the age of 69.
Vine was close to tears as he opened his Channel 5 show with a lengthy eulogy for his friend, whose death was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon.
The 58-year-old presenter praised Wright for saving BBC Radio 2 after he joined the station in 1996 and admitted his own daily news show would not exist without the influential DJ's contribution to broadcasting.
“I have to say, it's strange to come here and do a show that owes a lot to Steve Wright, but he's no longer with us,” Vine said. “If you loved Steve, it’s probably because, like me, you grew up with him.”
The presenter recalled his first meeting with Wright in the early '80s and described the DJ as “humble”. “Gracious, kind and shy” throughout his illustrious career.
Jeremy Vine paid an emotional tribute to legendary DJ Steve Wright on Wednesday morning following his death at the age of 69
The death of broadcaster Steve Wright at the age of 69 was announced Tuesday afternoon
“I was 16 and on a family holiday in Newquay, Cornwall, when he hosted the Radio 1 Roadshow in 1981,” he said.
“I got there early, stood at the front of the crowd and was chosen to play the Bits and Pieces quiz.
“So he interviewed me on air and I was rubbish – six out of ten. “Years later I met him on Radio 2, we became friends, I preceded him on the show for 20 years and saw him every day.”
Commenting on his contribution to Radio 2, he added: “He completely rebooted the station… As much as you loved Steve on the radio, you would have loved him even more in real life.”
Tributes have continued to pour in from the world of radio for veteran BBC broadcaster Steve Wright, who died on Tuesday aged 69.
The legendary DJ joined the BBC in the 1970s and hosted shows on BBC Radio 1 and 2 for more than four decades, attracting millions of listeners.
The shocking announcement broke colleagues' hearts and sparked an outpouring of emotional tributes from stars including Ken Bruce, Simon Mayo, Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay.
On Greatest Hits radio, a choked Mayo said: “I think he was one of the true originals of music radio.” I loved his shows. I know many of you felt the same way. It was exciting to be on the same radio stations as him. We will miss him.'
Vine was close to tears as he opened his Channel 5 show with a lengthy eulogy for his friend, whose death was confirmed on Tuesday afternoon
“He was one of the true originals of music radio…” @simonmayo
We are incredibly saddened by the passing of Steve Wright. Our thoughts are with his family, his friends and his fans. pic.twitter.com/9yem8RKe29
— Greatest Hits Radio (@greatesthitsuk) February 13, 2024
Tributes poured in from the world of radio as they shared touching stories about Wright
Presenter Sara Cox said: “It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's death other than we are all shocked, devastated and blindsided by this news.”
“Steve was an exceptional presenter, a really nice person, he was funny, he was warm and he was a huge part of the Radio 2 family and I know my fellow DJs will be completely devastated too.”
Zoe Ball told Wright to rest well, you wonderful wizard, after his death aged 69.
In a post to X, the broadcaster wrote: “Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the godfather, always there for all of us with support, advice, love and most of all laughter, rest well, you wonderful magician.
“Life will never be the same without you here, I love you, my friend, my hero.”
Dame Esther Rantzen, who was interviewed by Wright on several occasions, said he was a unique broadcaster.
“He created a kind of club that you looked forward to joining every day, whether you were being interviewed or whether you were enjoying it as a listener,” she said.
“It's a very rare quality and he made it sound easy.” It was often very funny, and when he left his daily afternoon show he really put a dent in the day for many of us who relied on his company . He will be a real loss.'
Matt Lucas described Wright as “the most brilliant radio presenter of all” following his death aged 69.
In a post to X, the comedian wrote: “Steve Wright was the most brilliant radio presenter of them all.”
“So gifted, natural and engaging.” It was always a pleasure and honor to appear on his show. What a great loss.'
Jo Whiley has thanked Wright, the “broadcaster's broadcaster”, for all his support over the years.
In a post to X, the radio DJ and TV presenter wrote: “What a man.” What a legend. The station's broadcaster.
“One of the nicest and most loving people I have ever had the pleasure of working with.” Thank you for the support and music chat over the years.
“I can't believe we won't be meeting in the bowels of MV for our weekly meeting. 'I love you, Wrighty.'
Emotional scenes continue @BBCRadio2 tonight, following the announcement of Steve Wright's death 🥺
(Queen) Bobbie Pryor, you have absolutely NOTHING to apologize for. I can't imagine how difficult it would be to hear about the death of a beloved colleague live on air 💔 pic.twitter.com/CuaZ12wRPD– Zoe Lamb (@zoemuriel) February 13, 2024
Steve Wright, who has died aged 69, pictured in his recording studio in 1994
Wright is seen in a recent photo as he walked in central London
The DJ was married to Cyndi Robinson until their divorce in 1999. They are pictured on their wedding day
Wright was also a long-time presenter of Top Of The Pops on BBC One and hosted the popular weekend morning show Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2.
Full statement from Steve Wright's family following his death at age 69
“It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.
“In addition to his son Tom and daughter Lucy, Steve is survived by his brother Laurence and his father Richard.”
“Also, dear close friends and colleagues and the millions of dedicated radio listeners who have had the good fortune and great joy to have Steve part of their daily lives as one of Britain’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.”
“As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.”
His last show was a taped Valentine's Day edition of the program two days ago. Wright told listeners in his final farewell: “Next Sunday I'll be back to sing more love songs, ta-da.”
A statement shared by Wright's family said: “It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.”
“In addition to his son Tom and daughter Lucy, Steve is survived by his brother Laurence and his father Richard.” Also, dear close friends and colleagues and the millions of loyal radio listeners who have had the good fortune and great joy of knowing Steve as one of Britain's most enduring and popular radio personalities to let go of their daily lives.
“As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this extremely difficult time.”
Wright's Radio 2 show last Sunday was pre-recorded and it is understood another show is “being planned”, although it is understood it will no longer be broadcast following his death.
Meanwhile, a BBC star said the death was felt by his colleagues to be “very, very sudden” as he had only been in contact with the broadcaster's bosses in recent days.
They told the Mail: “Steve had only been speaking to Radio 2 bosses for two or three days and they had no idea he was dying. We knew he was struggling a little with his health, but nothing seemed that serious.”
“It was a big shock.” Nobody can believe it. He recently talked to his colleagues. It doesn't seem real at all.'
The legendary broadcaster presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon for 12 years on Radio 1 and a further 23 years on Radio 2. He is pictured in 1980
The DJ, who appeared in 2003, was made an MBE for services to radio
Wright with Bunny Campione at an event at Hamleys Toy Store in London on October 24, 2004
The DJ with Alice Cooper at the Sony Radio Awards at the Grosvenor House Hotel on May 12, 2004
Wright was celebrated today by former colleagues and interviewees
Wright was born in Greenwich, south London, in 1954 and began his BBC career as a clerk.
He briefly left the station in 1976 to join Thames Valley Radio, but returned four years later to present weekend programs.
The station moved to BBC Radio 1 in 1980 to host a Saturday evening show before hosting Steve Wright In The Afternoon a year later until 1993.
Wright then hosted Radio 1 Breakfast for a year until 1995 and had a stint on commercial radio before returning to BBC Radio 2 in 1996 to present Steve Wright's Saturday Show and Sunday Love Songs.
In 1999 he reprized Steve Wright In The Afternoon every weekday on Radio 2, with celebrity interviews and entertaining trivia in his Factoids segment, before stepping down in September 2022.
Former BBC Radio 1 presenter Scott Mills took over the afternoon slot as part of the station's programming shake-up.
Wright continued to present Sunday Love Songs on BBC Radio 2 and, since October last year, hosted the long-running show Pick Of The Pops, previously hosted by Paul Gambaccini.
The head of BBC Radio 2, Helen Thomas, said Wright “understood the connection and camaraderie that radio creates better than anyone and we all loved him for it.”
Wright is surprised by Paul McCartney in his studio. Also pictured is his production assistant Dianne Oxberry
The DJ with George Michael in an undated photo taken in a BBC studio
“He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none and he made his guests laugh, he was fair and he wanted to present them and their work in the best possible light and tell brilliant stories to our listeners,” she added.
She recalled feeling “pure amazement” watching him 20 years ago when he became the first presenter she produced.
“To all of us at Radio 2 he was a wonderful colleague and friend with his excellent sense of humor, his generosity with his time and his endless words of wisdom,” she added.
“We were lucky to have him with us all these decades and we will miss his talent and friendship terribly.”
Wright was honored for his services to radio in the New Year's Honors list in December 2023 and said he wanted to dedicate it “to all the people in broadcasting who have provided comfort and public service during the pandemic”.
BBC Director General Tim Davie said today: “All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news.” Steve was a truly wonderful presenter who was a huge part of our lives over many decades.
“He was the ultimate professional – passionate about the craft of radio and deeply connected to his listeners.” This was rightly recognized with his MBE for services to radio in the New Year Honors List.
“No one had more energy to deliver shows that put smiles on audiences’ faces.” They loved him very much. “We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly.”
Lorna Clarke, director of BBC Music, said: “Steve was an exceptional presenter – someone who audiences loved and who many of us looked up to. “He loved radio and he loved the BBC, but most of all he loved his audience.
“From Radio 1 to Radio 2, he was with us for more than four decades, bringing so much joy to our airwaves, whatever he was up to.”
“We were privileged to have him with us all these years.”