Steve Wright's BBC colleagues knew he was ‘struggling with health’ before death

14 February 2024 , 12:09

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Steve Wright's BBC colleagues knew he was ‘struggling with health’ before death (Image: BBC)

BBC stars 'knew' that Steve Wright was struggling with his health before his sudden death at 69, an insider has claimed.

Steve's death was announced by his family on Tuesday in a heartbreaking statement. In a heartfelt message, they 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."

Following on from the shock news of the BBC Radio icon's death, an inside source has claimed that although Steve's fellow BBC colleagues were shocked by his sudden death at 69, they knew that the radio legend was struggling with his health.

Steve had reportedly spoken to BBC Radio bosses in recent days about his health (BBC)

Steve had reportedly spoken to BBC Radio bosses in recent days about his health. "Steve had been talking to Radio 2 bosses just two or three days ago," a BBC star told Mail Online. Steve's shocked colleague added: "We were aware he was struggling with his health a bit but nothing that seemed this serious. It has come as a huge shock. Nobody can believe it. He was engaging with his colleagues so recently. It doesn't seem at all real."

Steve - who worked for the BBC for more than 40 years and hosted his weekend mid-afternoon love song show from March 1996 up to his death - hosted a Valentine’s Day special as his last show. He rounded off his show playing hit songs including Islands In The Stream, Three Little Birds and Unchained Melody.

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As he signed off, he declared he would be “back for more love songs next Sunday” and said “ta-ra then” before finishing the pre-recorded show with Delicate by Terence Trent D'Arby and Des'ree. Just 48 hours later, the news was announced that he had passed away.

Although Steve's final show on Radio 2 last Sunday was pre-recorded, another one of his programmes is said to be 'in the can' and won't be airing.

No cause of death has yet been given after Steve's passing. The BBC Radio legend - who is rumoured to have been allergic to feathers and penicillin - once candidly opened up about his impressive weight loss, revealing how he worked tirelessly to lose several stones after seeing an unflattering picture of himself.

During an episode of BBC Breakfast in 2009, Steve stated: "I've been trying to lose weight for the last 10 years. As you get older, it's important to be healthy and it is a little dangerous to be overweight. I am a couple of stones over, so I'm about to go on a regime."

Steve had worked at the BBC for over 40 years (Carol Norman/REX/Shutterstock)

A year later, Steve, who was 18 stone at his heaviest, revealed he had already lost more than one-and-a-half stone and was intent on reaching his goal weight of 12 or 13 stone.

Speaking with the Mail Online at the time, Steve revealed: "I've been eating healthily and I've lost about one-and-a-half stone. But I want to lose another stone-and-a-half at least. I'm not there yet but I’m getting there. I’ve cut out chips, crisps and I no longer eat chocolate."

Following the news of Steve's sad death, stars have shared their fond memories of the radio legend. Greg James paid tribute to the legendary host on X, formerly known as Twitter, as he gushed that he felt 'lucky' to have known such an iconic and interesting star. "The King of Jingles. Steve was always so excited and interested to hear about what was going on at Radio 1 whenever we chatted," Greg shared.

"And I felt so lucky to be able to nerd out about radio with him. He essentially started the ‘zoo format’ in UK that you now hear everywhere. A true pioneer. Oh my god and that theme tune - iconic. Long live THE BIG SHOW," he added.

Fellow DJ Zoe Ball shared a tribute, saying: "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."

Radio 2 host Sara Cox struggled to hold back her tears as she told listeners of the heartbreaking news. She said: "We are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided by this news."

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Former Radio 2 colleague Ken Bruce was "shocked" to hear the news and said Steve and his friends were planning to celebrate his MBE with a lunch. "An outstanding and innovative broadcaster whose listeners loved him. What a loss to the world of radio," he explained.

Another Radio 2 star, Tony Blackburn, said: "I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company. I was shocked at the news and will miss him terribly."

Steve had been open about his health battles (Mike Webster/REX/Shutterstock)

Tributes have poured in for the legendary BBC Radio DJ (Mirrorpix)

In another heartbreaking Instagram tribute, Scott Mills, 50, gushed that Steve was 'the best to ever do it'. Scott penned: "Steve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters. He made everything sound effortless, and worked so hard to make every show world class. He was a constant inspiration to me on how to do radio that sounded big.

"When I first started doing shows at Radio 2, he and I spent hours reminiscing about his days at Radio 1, and I would listen to his stories and wisdom in awe. My thoughts are with his family and my colleagues who have worked with him for so many years. Steve, you’re the best to ever do it," the radio DJ added.

Scott took over Steve's afternoon programme during a string of schedule changes at the station in 2022, but Steve stayed with Radio 2, continuing to present Sunday Love Songs as well as a series of specials and podcasts.

Susan Knox