STEVE Wright was set for a huge new BBC radio gig which was revealed just days before his tragic death aged 69.
The broadcasting legend was due to be part of BBC Radio’s plans to launch four new stations over the airwaves.
One of the four new channels will be a BBC Radio 2 spin-off station, and Steve was set to be hosting a new version of his Sunday Love Songs show, made especially for the launching network.
The BBC said the station would “bring heritage artist catalogues and stories to life in a much deeper and more richly textured manner than the main mixed-genre Radio 2 schedule can allow.”
While Steve would have been an obvious favourite to be one of the key faces on the new station, sadly it was not to be.
His family confirmed the shock news today that Steve has passed away.
Steve Wright’s 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.
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“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.”
Steve’s colleagues at the BBC have also spoken of their devastation.
Radio 2 DJ Zoe Ball was devastated by the news, telling her fans: “Wrighty. Our Radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, a dear friend, always there for us all with support, advice & love & most importantly laughter.
“Rest well you wonderful magic man. Life won’t be the same without you here. Love you my friend my hero x.”
She added: “Thoughts to Steve’s family, his beloved listeners, Tim, Jayney, Bobbi & his team.”
Vernon Kay, who took over from Steve’s old slot, shared a long post about the loss.
“Words, alone, do not feel enough, to attempt to describe the respect I had, for this man; this titan of radio and someone I was so proud to call a friend,” he wrote.
“Thank you Steve, for the decades of joy you brought to the airwaves, entertaining us all with your wit, warmth and that most wonderful of voices.”
He continued: “On a personal level I’ll never forget your kindness for mentoring me in my early years of radio broadcasting, for the hours we spent chatting and laughing on the phone. You always so generously imparted your wisdom and advice.
“The word “ legend “ was truly made for you Steve. You will be so missed by everyone. Rest in peace, my friend.”
