BBC Radio presenter Janice Long has sadly passed away aged 66.
The media personality, who was first regular female presenter of Top of the Pops, died after a “short illness”, her agent has announced on Boxing Day.
Janice is best known by fans for hosting her own show on BBC Radio Wales Monday to Thursday from 7am to 10am and formerly worked on BBC Radio 1.
Fans and friends of the star have since taken to Twitter to share the share their devastation following the heartbreaking news.
Taking to Twitter, one fan penned: “Very sad to hear that Janice Long has passed away – love and thoughts to her family and close friends.”
(Image: Liverpool Echo)
Another added: “Terrible news. Janice Long helped shape my love of music. 66 is so young.”
A third person posted: “Janice Long was a supporter and mentor for so many bands. To hear our records on her show was always the biggest thrill – her enthusiasm and love shone through. One of a kind. Safe travels, we’ll miss ya x x”
While a fourth social media user said: “Really sad news about Janice Long – I used to listen to her Radio 1 show and hear all sorts of good stuff the daytime DJs didn’t play. She was playing this little beauty *months* before it got a proper release. RIP.”
(Image: PA)
Earlier this year, the star was admitted to hospital, however not much is known of the reason why she needed to seek medical treatment.
Taking to Twitter, Janice penned: “Good Morning world from my hospital bed in Liverpool. Bored silly x.”
Despite not knowing what was wrong with the star at the time, dozens of fans rushed to wish her a quick recovery – and also suggested she could keep her boredom at bay by jumping on the hospital radio.
The fan tweeted: “You could always ask us some questions? You might get some interesting replies.
(Image: PA Wire/PA Images)
“If you don’t like that idea, come up with some ideas for your hospital radio. Get well soon.”
However, the star quickly replied: “I don’t believe there is a hospital radio here x.”
Janice, who originally hails from Liverpool, England has hosted on the radio, particularly the BBC, since the late 1970s.
She began her career as an assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside, but was presenting her own content only months later after impressing show bosses.
The broadcaster went on to host her own show Streetlife, which celebrated the thriving Liverpudlian music scene.
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During the early 80s, Janice joined BBC Radio 1 and began hosting television programmes too.
She also took on one of her most poignant roles to date and became the first female Top of the Pops host from 1983 to 1988.
As a lover of music, in 1995, Janice established her own radio station, Crash FM, which was later bought out by Forever Broadcasting in 1999.
Janice is survived by two children Fred and Blue.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
