BBC star Colin Berry has died aged 79.
The beloved radio presenter joined BBC’s Radio 2 in 1973, covering for iconic BBC presenters such as Sir Terry Wogan. He worked there for over thirty years and continued reading the news on Radio 2 as a freelancer until September 2012.
Radio 2 announced his passing on Thursday morning (April 17). They said: “The former Radio 2 newsreader Colin Berry has died at the age of 79.
“He joined the station in 1973 and covered for presenters including Sir Terry Wogan and Sir Jimmy Young. Colin Berry also had a 25-year stint as the UK’s Eurovision jury spokesperson including in 1997”.
(Image: BBC)
BBC Radio 2 newsreader Clare Ruacres paid tribute to Berry, her former colleague at Radio 2. She wrote on X: “Sad to say a former colleague and fellow @bbcradio2 newsreader Colin Berry has died aged 79. He also spent 25 years as the UK’s Eurovision jury spokesman.”
BBC News’ Richard Murrell said of Berry: “I worked as a TO with Colin on many occasions in Con – another wonderful voice has left the Radio family.”
(Image: Getty Images)
Radio presenter Andrew Peach wrote: “I am very sad to hear news of ColinBerry’s passing. I have strong memories of hearing Colin on @bbcradio2 as a child and it was a thrill to get to work with him there from 1998-2012.”
Radio presenter Tony Fisher wrote: “Very sad to hear that the broadcaster Colin Berry has passed away. He was such a warm radio host and the voice of a British wireless generation.”
Bauer Media’s Luke Davis wrote: “Extremely sad to hear the passing of Colin Berry. He was a Real Pioneer of Broadcasting and had such a Lovely relaxing voice. He was also a true Gentleman and was very kind when I interviewed him in 2019”.
(Image: ColinBerryradio/X)
One user wrote: “A very well recognised voice (and name) Clare. Sorry to hear that sad news and condolences to the Radio 2 family.”
Berry was the UK’s Eurovision Song Contest spokesman for many years, holding the role for almost every year between 1977 and 2002. He was also the stand-by TV commentator, in case Terry Wogan’s line was lost.
During his time at Radio 2, he presented a number of shows including Night Ride, Music Through Midnight, The Late Show, The Early Show and Band Parade. Colin also appeared on BBC shows such as Bargain Hunt, Blankety Blank and The Generation Game.
Colin presented on BBC Local Radio and hosted his late night Saturday programme on BBC Three Counties Radio. He was a regular cover for Richard Spendlove’s programme until 2017.
He started his career on Radio Caroline in 1965 and later worked at the then-newly opened Yorkshire Television while moonlighting as a club DJ.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
