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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Jilly Beattie & Vicki Newman

BBC presenter Stephen Clements dead at 47 just months after getting 'job of a lifetime'

BBC presenter Stephen Clements has died at the age of 47.

The much-loved TV and radio presenter has passed away just months after landing what he called the "job of a lifetime" at the BBC.

The BBC announced his death on the lunchtime news and his 10.30am slot today was presented by Steven Rainey, reports Belfast Live.

Stephen, a former Q Radio presenter, had started working with BBC Northern Ireland last September.

The married father-of-two, joined the station last summer, having been the long-time presenter of Q Radio's breakfast show.

BBC Northern Ireland director Peter Johnston said: "We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements.

Stephen used to present on Q Radio ("irishphotos@mirror.co.uk" )

"Our thoughts are with Stephen's family, friends and colleagues, at this difficult time."

Q Radio tweeted: "We are heartbroken today to learn that our former Q Radio Breakfast show host, colleague and friend Stephen Clements has died suddenly at the age of 47."

Having turned Q Radio's breakfast show into one of the most popular programmes in the region, he landed what he described as his "dream" job at the BBC last year.

He worked as a presenter for BBC NI's coverage of the Open golf championship at Royal Portrush in July, and in September became the new host of Radio Ulster's mid-morning show.

Stephen also co-presented last year's BBC Children In Need appeal in Northern Ireland.

In September last year, Stephen took over from Sean Coyle as the host of the 10.30am slot on BBC NI.

And his work saw the number of listeners increase vastly.

The presenter was known for his up-beat character and fun approach to his radio shows.

Stephen's colleagues and friends have paid tribute to him.

His work also saw him become patron of charity Autism NI.

A spokesperson for the organisation said in tribute: "Autism NI are saddened to hear the sad passing of our Patron Stephen Clements. Our thoughts and prayers are with his immediate family and friends. Stephen was a great supporter for autism across Northern Ireland."

South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw also paid tribute, calling Stephen a "true gentleman".

She said: "So so saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen Clements. A true gentleman and incredibly talented broadcaster. A tragic loss"

Stephen is survived by his wife and two children.

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