Hearts across the UK were broken when the BBC announced that veteran DJ Steve Wright had passed away in February.
Aged just 69, the much loved radio presenter was found dead at his home. When revealed by the BBC that he had passed, thousands of listeners inundated his family and friends with support as many of his colleagues paid tribute to him on his unexpected death.
Wright had been presenting his iconic radio show for decades and had become a staple of the station with his dulcet tones that made the airwaves that bit calmer. Now, the BBC has confirmed who will be taking his place as his family continue to mourn his loss.
READ MORE: Radio legend Steve Wright ‘was excited to host new BBC TV show’ before shock death
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Singer and songwriter Michael Ball will be taking over Steve’s show, BBC bosses have now confirmed. Presenting BBC Radio 2’s Sunday Love Songs, Ball is set to take his good pal’s iconic slot.
(Image: PA)
Michael currently hosts his own show on Sundays between 11am and 1pm, but from June – he is set to host Love Songs with Michael Ball from 9am to 11pm. Ball explained his decision to move into his mate’s spot in a fitting tribute to the DJ.
“Steve made Love Songs ‘appointment to listen’ radio,” Michael explained. “I’m beyond excited and more than a little nervous to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy.
“Beautiful, moving, relaxing and uplifting music to lift the soul on a Sunday morning, coupled with the stories, suggestions, requests and precious memories from you, the listener, will ensure that this won’t be just MY show, but OUR show,” he continued. “I hope you will join us as we continue to share the love.”
Another change is also on its way to BBC Radio 2 as Michael’s current slot will be freed up once he makes the permanent move to Steve’s old time. With a free gap in the schedule, BBC bosses they would be asking Bolton lad Paddy McGuinness to get a new show in what is currently Michael’s slot on the radio when the move is completed in June.
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Currently, talent mogul Nicky Chapman has been filling in for Steve’s show after his sudden passing on February 12. Now, Chapman will pass the baton to singer Michael, as he makes himself comfortable at his new timeslot.
In a statement released by his family a day after his tragic death, Steve’s loved ones said: “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.
The family also paid tribute to Wright’s co-workers and listeners throughout the decades that Steve was on the airwaves for. “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,” they added.
(Image: PA)
The official cause of Steve’s death has not been published by police. However, two days following his passing, celebrity publicist and good pal of 40 years, Gary Farrow said that it was likely down to a “broken heart” after producers opted to pull the plug on his show after 24 years on the air.
Farrow said that Steve was “devastated” when he learned his show would be cancelled, telling The Sun newspaper at the time: “Steve lived for that show, he absolutely loved it – and the listeners loved him. My view is that he died from a broken heart.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
