Steve Wright's radio team share their heartache over loss of BBC legend

Steve Wright's death has triggered countless tributes from his celebrity friends, with the likes of Noel Edmonds, Paul Gambaccini and Tony Blackburn speaking of his warmth, skill and ability to communicate with radio listeners.

But Wright — who died aged 69 on Monday — has been remembered by plenty more people who worked with him behind the scenes and quietly got to know the legendary DJ.

Many have flocked to X to share their memories with beautiful tributes following Wright's death at the age of 69. The tributes are a testament to Wright's "wonderful" nature and how he was warmly received by all of those who met and worked with him.

Steve Wright tributes

Theatre director Russell Grant said: "I am shocked that my wonderful friend Steve Wright has died. I worked with him for a decade on Steve Wright in the Afternoon. He was a generous, wonderful presenter and gentleman. He was the most inventive, cleverest of radio broadcasters. Steve is unmatched. A legend has left us."

Actor Alex Lowe, who starred as Barry from Watford, said: "I am so so sad about Steve Wright. I worked with him off and on for many years and I was always genuinely thrilled to be in the same room. I’d be pinching myself. An absolute broadcasting God. RIP Steve."

BBC newsreader Harvey Cook said: "Few understood how radio worked like Steve Wright. A true legend! He was a part of so many people’s lives with his companionship and entertainment. I count myself lucky to have had Steve as a colleague and am grateful for his support and kindness. Ta” Steve from “Harv!”"

Another person wrote: "I only ever worked with Steve Wright the once. For Radio 1 Vintage, he wanted to take a different approach to others - picking his own best bits, and explaining why to the listener. The result is a 43min “Directors Commentary” of his greatest hits."

Radio presenter Martin Collins added: "Such sad and awful news that Steve Wright has left us. He was lovely to me when I had an interview with Johnny Beerling at Radio One and always had kind words about my shows. The guy worked so hard on making great radio and was also a fan of radio in general. RIP Steve x."

Loretta shared her own experiences saying: "So heartbroken by the news of the death of Steve Wright. I loved bringing guests on to his BBC Radio 2 show as he always did the best interviews. And when I’ve worked in the press team at Radio 2 I found him to be kind, generous and great fun to be with."

Lib Dem Councillor Mark Clark wrote: "What a bloody shame. I worked with Steve Wright at Radio 210 in Reading all those years ago. A very nice guy who showed me the ropes and a few tricks alongside all his shows ‘voices’ Rest in Peace, mate."

Another person revealed: "How sad. What a talent. I worked on the Steve Wright show back in 2002 and although I was a lowly trainee with very little contact with Steve it was great fun writing scripts and preparing records for this great, albeit smelly man. D x."

Who is Steve Wright?

Tributes rolled in for Steve Wright after the news hit headlines that the DJ had died aged 69 on Monday. Wright made history after joining the BBC in the 1970s and went onto host his own shows. Additionally he was known for fronting Top of the Pops.

Wright had an incredible career in entertainment, fronting shows on BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades. His last appearance on air was on Sunday when he hosted a special Valentine's Day show of his Love Songs which had been prerecorded before the weekend.

Emotional Sara Cox paid tribute to Wright after the news was announced. Cox said: "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."

Read more

• Tony Blackburn 'absolutely shocked' by friend Steve Wright's death

• Noel Edmonds says late Steve Wright was a 'friend' to radio listeners

• Steve Wright, BBC radio presenter, has died (Sky News, 4-min read)