Steve Wright’s heartbreaking promise to BBC Radio 2 listeners just days before his death

Steve Wright made his final BBC Radio 2 appearance just days before his unexpected death at 69. He hosted a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day special of his Sunday Love Songs shows on February 11, two days before his death was confirmed by the BBC.

During his last broadcast, Steve checked in with listeners, asking: “How is everyone? Is everything working?”

He ended his two-hour show by reading out a number of Valentine’s messages from listeners. He then signed off, promising: “I’m back for more love songs next Sunday. Ta-ra then.”

Following Steve’s shock death, it is unclear who will take over his 9am slot on Sunday mornings. However, Radio 2 has said it plans to celebrate his life with a range of programming across the station.

Announcing his death on Tuesday, Steve’s devastated family released a statement sharing their “deep sorrow and profound regret”.

It said: “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.”

Sara Cox struggled to hold back her emotions as she shared the statement live on Radio 2.

The presenter, 49, told her listeners: “It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing, except we are all shocked and devastated and blindsided by this news.

“Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was witty, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will all be absolutely shattered too.”

Many of Steve’s BBC colleagues and famous friends have rushed to pay their respects to Steve.

Tony Blackburn said: “I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company. I was shocked at the news and will miss him terribly.”

Ken Bruce echoed: “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.”

Eamonn Holmes wrote: “In a World of Mediocrity…Steve Wright had talent. He had the voice and the vision and my Sunday mornings will be a lot poorer without him. RIP Steve.”

And Piers Morgan took to social media to say: “RIP Steve Wright, 69. One of Britain’s greatest ever radio broadcasters. A brilliantly creative, funny, warm, intelligent, hard-working and energetic man. Absolutely loved him, on and off air. So sad to hear this news. Thanks for all the wonderful entertainment, Steve.”

Via

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