Radio's Mr Wright

IN MILLIONS of homes and workplaces, the brilliance of Steve Wright kept Britain happy and laughing along with him for more than 40 years.

- NICOLA METHVEN

The ground-breaking DJ's radio shows over the decades combined music, interviews, comedy and the many voices of his devoted listeners.

Steve, who has died aged 69, was a BBC star for 43 years. He was a huge success first on Radio 1, then Radio 2.

He is best known for his show Steve Wright in the Afternoon. He also hosted TV programmes such as Top of the Pops.

Sara Cox, who was presenting on Radio 2 when the news of Steve's death broke, sounded emotional as she said: "We are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided.

"Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster and a really, 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.

"We've all lost a lovely friend who's been part of our lives for so many years." Another colleague, Zoe Ball, called Steve her friend and hero.

She added: "Wrighty, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, always there for us all with support, love and laughter - rest well, you wonderful man." Tony Blackburn said: "I am so sad my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we loved one another's company."

Former Radio 2 star Ken Bruce said: "An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio." Jo Whiley said on her Radio 2 show yesterday: "There have been many tears.

"It's very difficult to take in that he's no longer here. Steve was the soundtrack to our lives, wasn't he?" She also described him as "one of the kindest, loveliest people".

Steve was born in Greenwich, London, in 1954, and he grew up in nearby New Cross. His dad managed the Burton store in Trafalgar Square.

He went to Eastwood High School for Boys, near Southend, Essex, where he performed a radio show over the speaker system from a cupboard.