Steve Wright, best know for hosting BBC Radio and Top of the Pops, has died aged 69.
The British radio presenter’s family confirmed his death in a joint statement issued to the BBC on Tuesday (Wednesday in Australia).
“It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright,” the statement announced.
Watch the video above.
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“In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard,” the statement revealed.
“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.”
Wright worked in the radio industry for more than four decades and was best known for his work hosting BBC Radio 1 and 2, as well as the BBC TV broadcast Top of the Pops.
The host first began working for the BBC as a clerk in the ’70s before joining Reading’s Radio 210 in 1976. He began his first programme a few years later in 1981 with the Steve Wright in the Afternoon weekend show.
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The tributes have already begun flowing in for the presenter as his colleagues remembered him as a “witty” and “kind person”.
Radio 2 host Sara Cox revealed during her Tuesday show the team were “absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided” by news of Wright’s passing.
“Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really really kind person,” she said, paying tribute to her “lovely friend”.
The tragic news also prompted tributes from fans on social media who expressed their sadness after growing up listening to the radio presenter since the ’70s.
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A big loss to the British airwaves,” one person wrote to X, formerly known as Twitter. “He never took himself seriously and always injected lots of fun into his shows.”
“Steve Wright was always there as the backdrop to many of our lives,” another said. “His voice is comfort and nostalgia to much of the nation. He will be sorely missed.”
Wright’s comedic talents even made the late Queen Elizabeth II laugh on one occasion.
While attending a reception held at Buckingham palace, Wright had the late British Queen chuckling during their introduction after describing his job in a humorous light.
“That sounds very naughty,” the late Queen Elizabeth II replied with a wide smile on her face.