Radio 2 presenter Nicki Chapman was moved to tears on air as she read out tributes to the late Steve Wright.
The BBC radio legend tragically passed away on Tuesday (February 13) at the age of 69, leaving his colleagues and listeners in shock. Returning to her Breakfast Show the morning after the sad news broke, Nicki couldn’t hide her emotions.
She said: “It is so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us. The devastatingly sad news has come as a complete shock.
READ MORE: Steve Wright’s friends shocked as they saw late BBC star just days before death aged 69
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“Everyone seems to have such fond memories of our Wrighty because that’s how we viewed and that’s how we listened to him. He was ours.
(Image: Twitter/@Nicki_Chapman)
“He was our mate, talking to us in our kitchens as we made a brew, in our bedrooms, in the shower, in our cars, taxis, lorries, in our form rooms at school, in our gardens, at work. He was always in our hearts.”
As she filled in for Zoe Ball this week, Nicki thanked listeners for their heartfelt tributes to Steve. She added: “It is a difficult day, it is a difficult day for all of us but we are doing him justice.”
She then read out some of the touching messages from listeners, saying: “They are wonderful so do send them in this morning.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Nicki got teary on air as she read a tribute from a fan who once co-hosted with Steve Wright. The message said: “It was around the time of my 50th birthday celebrations and it was all my birthdays and Christmases at once.
“In person, he was the kind, funny, humble and lovable person I had listened to…” Nicki had to pause, overcome with emotion, before continuing: “…over the airways all my life. I am heartbroken says Fred in Cumbria.”
After playing a song, Nicki came back, trying not to cry: “I said to myself I wasn’t going to cry and I have done it once. The tears are there but hopefully they are not going to keep falling. Today we are looking at the great, great man himself.”
Sara Cox also shared her sadness on Radio 2, saying: “It’s really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright’s passing, except we are all absolutely devastated and shocked and blindsided by this news. Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really, really kind person.
(Image: BBC)
“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.” She also encouraged fans to share their memories of Steve with her.
A statement issued by Steve’s family yesterday read: “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.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
