IN the final video snapped of “extraordinary” BBC Radio star Steve Wright he heartbreakingly said: “Sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t.”
The legend tragically died aged 69, his heartbroken loved ones announced today.
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Tributes are already pouring in for him, with Zoe Ball and Vernon Kay leading the kind words.
Wright was last snapped outside the BBC studios, after he was axed from his Afternoon show slot in 2022.
Speaking about the shock axing, the DJ said at the time: “Sometimes people want you, sometimes they don’t.
“Sometimes there are changes and they give you another offer – and that’s OK. I understand that, I really understand that.”
He continued: “I’ve been offered loads of stuff at the BBC and I’m staying at Radio 2.
“What it actually means for me is rather than working six days a week, I’ll be working maybe two and a half days a week.
“So maybe I can get lunch, maybe I can have a rest, whatever, for a little while.”
He’d also said on air at the time: “Before we start the show proper, if I may, I’d just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show.”
Prior to that he was last seen jumping into a black cab with a briefcase in hand, and a face mask on, in 2021.
He donned a bright tie as he wandered the streets of London.
Read more on the tragedy…
Wright was also snapped the year prior, enjoying a glass of wine and meal.
The star’s family today announced his tragic death.
His mourning loved ones this afternoon 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.
“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.”
Tributes are pouring in for the legend from fellow radio stars.
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 also presents on Radio 2, shared a lengthy 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.
Read more on the Scottish Sun
“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.”
From bullied schoolboy to BBC legend
By Jane Matthews
STEVE Wright went from being a bullied schoolboy cruelly dubbed ‘Big Nose’ to a BBC radio legend.
Wright was born in Greenwich, London and attended Eastwood High School in Southend-on-Sea, Essex.
It was there that he was cruelly nicknamed Big Nose and Concorde.
His first job after leaving school was in marine insurance but after three years he realised it wasn’t for him.
It was then that Wright left to become a local newspaper reporter.
This led him to BBC, as a record librarian, which then went on to his own shows – and the rest was history.
But in 2022 he announced he was stepping back from his Afternoon show after more than two decades.
He said at the time: “Before we start the show proper, if I may, I’d just like to say thank you ever so much for all the messages that have come in, over the weekend after I announced on Friday on the afternoon that we are leaving the afternoon show.”
The axing saw him take another step towards his Sunday Love Songs show – which he last appeared on just days ago.