BBC stars are said to have known Steve Wright was “struggling with his health” but his death was still a “huge, huge shock,” according to reports.
The veteran BBC broadcaster died aged 69 and Sara Cox led emotional tributes to the star.
It has since been said Steve had reached out to show bosses in a final chat over the last few days about his health.
“Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago,” one BBC star told the Daily Mail.
“We were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious.
“It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn’t seem at all real.”
It is unclear what was the cause of his death.
Radio 2 DJ Jo Whiley added it was “very strange” to be talking about Steve’s death on her show given she had seen him “days ago”, while Ken Bruce claimed he was planning a lunch with him to celebrate his “richly deserved MBE”.
Steve Wright was made an MBE in the New Year’s Honours list at the start of 2024.
He had most recently been on the air on Sunday (11 February) hosting a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day edition of his Love Songs programme.
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.”
BBC director-general Tim Davie said everyone at the BBC were “heartbroken” at the “terribly sad news”.