A last broadcast by BBC star Steve Wright won't be aired after his passing at 69, according to a new report.
The radio personality, who presented programmes for BBC Radio 1 and Radio 2 for more than four decades, passed away on Monday.
His family 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."
Wright's last Radio 2 gig aired pre-recorded last Sunday. However, another one of his shows is said to be “in the can”but won't be airing, according to The Mirror.
The Standard has contacted a BBC representative for comment.
According to a report, Wright’s death seemed “very, very sudden” to his colleagues as he was working and talking to bosses just days before he passed away.
A BBC star told MailOnline: "Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago… we were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious."
On Sunday, Wright’s pre-recorded Valentine’s Day special aired on BBC Radio 2.
As the broadcaster signed off his show, Wright told listeners he would be “back for more love songs next Sunday” and told listeners “ta-ra then” before playing Delicate by Terence Trent D'Arby and Des'ree.
Wright’s radio career at the broadcaster began in 1980 when he joined BBC Radio 1, presenting weekend programmes. He went on to launch Steve Wright in the Afternoon the following year - the show that would define his career.
The radio personality was made an MBE for his services to radio in the December 2023 New Year Honours list and said he wanted to dedicate it “to all the people in broadcasting who gave comfort and public service during the pandemic”.
In an emotional tribute, Wright’s BBC colleague Sara 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.
Totally shocked to hear the news about the great Steve Wright. We were planning lunch to celebrate the award of his richly deserved MBE. An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio.
— Ken Bruce (@RealKenBruce) February 13, 2024
What a man. What a legend.
— Jo Whiley (@jowhiley) February 13, 2024
The broadcaster’s broadcaster. One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support & music chat over the years. Can’t believe we won’t meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty💔 pic.twitter.com/Vro3Osj7ff
"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."
Fellow BBC Radio 2 presenter Scott Mills called Wright “one of our greatest ever broadcasters” as tributes poured in for the radio legend.
Mills, 50, left BBC Radio 1 in 2022 to replace the programme Wright was best known for on BBC Radio 2 – Steve Wright In The Afternoon.
Paul Gambaccini, who hosted the radio station’s Pick Of The Pops until Wright took over in October 2023, called the late broadcaster “one of the all-time greats”.
DJ Jo Whiley thanked Wright for his support over the years.
On his social media page former BBC Radio 2 presenter Simon Mayo also paid tribute and called the late broadcaster “a fabulous creative whirlwind of a presenter.”
Elsewhere, Scottish radio presenter Ken Bruce described Wright’s death as “a loss to the world of radio.”
Radio 2 will celebrate Wright’s life with a range of programming across the station, according to the BBC.
