Former DJ Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart Dies At 74

Ex-presenter and DJ Ed "Stewpot" Stewart has died at the age of 74, the BBC has announced.

The former BBC Radio 1 DJ and Crackerjack presenter's death comes a few days after he had a stroke.

He died in hospital in Bournemouth, according to Rocky Taylor, his friend of 40 years.

Devon-born Stewart was one of the first presenters on Radio 1 after its launch in 1967.

He started presenting children's show Junior Choice, which became his trademark radio show, the next year.

He returned to the airwaves just over a fortnight ago when he presented a special edition of Junior Choice for BBC Radio 2, which went to air on Christmas Day 2015.

On television, Stewart was best known for children's favourite Crackerjack, which he hosted from 1973 until 1979.

Bob Shennan, director of BBC Music, said: "Everyone at Radio 2 is extremely saddened to hear of the passing of Ed 'Stewpot' Stewart.

"Ed has been a stalwart of popular music broadcasting for many years and over the past few Christmases, he brought back Junior Choice to the delight of millions of loyal listeners.

"We are thinking of Ed's friends and family at this difficult time."

Stewart's former brother-in-law Adriano Henney posted on Twitter: "Sad to report sudden passing of my former brother in law #EdStewart #StewpotEd after short illness. Fun guy-Huge loss."

Coronation Street star Les Dennis posted on Twitter: "Sad to hear Ed "Stewpot"Stewart has died. A great broadcaster and a nice man."

Celebrity astrologer Russell Grant tweeted: "So sad to hear an old DJ colleague of mine Ed Stewart 'Stewpot' has passed over. I last worked with him on Radio Mercury. Happy memories."

Marketing manager Kathryn tweeted: "So sad to hear of the death of #edstewart. Christmas without #juniorchoice won't be the same!"