Steve Hewlett dead: BBC radio presenter dies aged 58

BBC Radio 4 presenter Steve Hewlett has died aged 58.

Hewlett was diagnosed with oesophageal cancer in March last year.

He worked on programmes including Panorama, Nationwide and The Media Show.

He had discussed his diagnosis and cancer treatments with Radio 4’s Eddie Mair in a series of candid interviews.

During the conversations, Hewlett said the hardest part had not been facing up to the prospect of his own death, but telling his family and friends.

He married his partner Rachel earlier this month after doctors said he had “weeks, possibly months” to live. His ex-partner and their three sons were present at the wedding which took place in the Royal Marsden Hospital in Chelsea.

In a statement his family said: “Over the last year, we have been overwhelmed by the support of friends, colleagues and Radio 4 listeners.

“The messages helped Steve enormously, especially over the last few months.”

Hewlett died while listening to Bob Dylan with his family, the BBC said.

BBC director general Tony Hall said: “Steve Hewlett was an exceptional journalist. His analysis of the media industry was always essential listening.

“Steve was a trusted voice that embodied everything positive in public service journalism. He was hugely popular not just with viewers and listeners, but with BBC staff.

“When I saw him last week, I told him how much I have admired his brave interviews with Eddie Mair about his treatment which he did with a candour and sense of inquiry that was typically Steve.”

John Newlands, senior cancer nurse at Macmillan Cancer Support, appeared alongside Hewlett when he shared his story on Radio 4.

He said: “We are deeply sorry to hear the news that Steve Hewlett has passed away.

“Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

“Steve spoke openly about his cancer diagnosis and treatment.

“Radio 4 listeners said that by sharing his story, Steve stopped them feeling alone.

“We hope that by shining a light on what it's like to live with cancer, Steve has encouraged more people – and particularly men – to see a doctor early if they have worrying symptoms and to feel more confident when telling family and friends that they have cancer.”