Radio 2 star Steve Wright “died of a broken heart”, his pal have revealed.
The broadcasting legend was found dead at his home on Monday (February 12) after emergency services were called to an “incident” at his London home.
Police have since confirmed that the 69-year-old’s death is being treated as “unexpected but not suspicious” with a coroner expected to draw up a report in the coming weeks.
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star showbiz stories
READ MORE: Click for more brilliant Daily Star TV stories
Following his shock death, celebrity publicist Gary Farrow has said Steve was “devastated” after losing his popular radio slot after 24 years in 2022 and went on to blast BBC bosses who reportedly deemed his friend of over 40 years “too old”. He told The Sun: “Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it – and the listeners loved him. My view is that he died from a broken heart.”
(Image: Getty Images)
“He was Mr Showbiz. He was the first to discuss and champion new books, films, records and TV shows, and so progressive in that respect. So quite how the BBC could decide he was ‘too old’ or not current enough is a joke. There was no one more current or on the pulse than Steve. There was no one more relevant.”
The DJ lost his Steve Wright in the Afternoon show two years ago with Scott Mills taking over in a bid to attract a younger audience. The move was blasted as “diabolical” at the time but he still continued to present Sunday Love Songs on Radio 2.
(Image: Carol Norman/REX/Shutterstock)
After the tragic news broke, tributes flooded in for the star, while anger mounted against the corporation. Fellow broadcaster Liz Kershaw said: “It’s shabby, it’s hypocritical. They just dumped him. New management said we’re going to refresh the schedule – and they treat people like tins of beans on a shelf. I doubt that there was any follow-up, or any pastoral care, or any support for him.
(Image: BBC)
“He didn’t need money as he has been one of the highest-paid people on air. But, you know, I wonder if they considered how it affected him. There are some people for whom fame and attention are their oxygen. And he was one of those. It was absolutely his life.” Daily Star has contacted the BBC for a comment.
Want all the biggest Showbiz and TV news straight to your inbox? Sign up for our free Daily Star Showbiz newsletter
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
