Some of Steve Wright’s former colleagues at the BBC have reportedly become “enraged” at a tribute left by one of his former bosses.
Radio DJ and presenter Wright suddenly passed away on Monday (February 12) at the age of 69. His shock death triggered a wave of love and support for the broadcaster, with fellow hosts Vanessa Feltz and Sara Cox among the various well-wishers.
But one of the tributes towards the Top of the Pops star has filled some of his former colleagues at the station with fury. BBC boss Helen Thomas had said that Steve was a “consummate professional” who was “always second to none”.
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In a statement, her tribute read: “Steve was the first presenter I ever produced, more than 20 years ago, and I remember the pure amazement I felt, sitting opposite this legendary broadcaster whose shows I had listened to and marvelled at whilst growing up in Hull.”
(Image: Getty Images)
However, despite her best wishes, several of Steve’s co-stars have reportedly hit out at her tribute – after she was the one who had initially given Steve the boot from the BBC. Steve, who had been a stalwart of the airwaves for decades, eventually lost his show in 2022 when BBC Radio 2 bosses opted for a fresh approach, culling other big personalities too.
Other legendary radio hosts including Ken Bruce and Paul O’Grady were also cut off from the station, which triggered a huge drop in listeners. In October 2022, a week after the redundancies were announced, the station’s listenership dropped by over 1million people to just 13.5m a week.
Now, an insider claims that some of Steve’s former workmates were “enraged” at Helen’s remarks, claiming that she was the one to kick him from the channel. Speaking on the scheduling changes himself, Steve had hit out at BBC bosses for saying he was “too old” to have a show and promptly was shown the door.
(Image: PA)
Celebrity publicist Gary Farrow has gone after the BBC to point out its hypocrisy in the statement, claiming that Wright never fully accepted his shock dumping from the channel. He added that Steve was “devastated” when he heard the news, adding: “Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it – and the listeners loved him; my view is that he died from a broken heart.”
And it was clear that his loyal fans also felt the fury for the broadcaster, with many people hitting out at Thomas on Twitter. One disgruntled fan made their feelings known, writing: “Helen Thomas’ comments about Steve Wright; how ironic.”
They continued: “The BBC doesn’t care about how the public feels about any of the greats that were sacked/demoted. Your salaries are guaranteed, whether you do your jobs properly or not. By contrast, the talented seem disposable to you? Ugh.”
(Image: Dave Benett/Getty Images)
A second listener also blasted Helen, adding: “Shame on Helen Thomas who pushed Steve off his afternoon show for a mediocre replacement. I am convinced it affected Steve adversely.
“I am as annoyed today as I was when he announced that Helen wanted to do something different,” they continued. “Horrible mistake Helen and it is not forgotten.”
Steve’s hit Radio 2 show lasted for 24 years, with him first moving to the station back in 1998. He admitted that whilst he was unhappy with the decision, he ultimately accepted the station’s choice, as he realised he “can’t hold the slot forever”.
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
