February 14th 2024.
The news of Steve Wright's passing has deeply affected his friends, especially fellow BBC presenter Nicki Chapman, who struggled to remain composed on her show. In a statement released on Tuesday, February 13, Wright's family confirmed his death at the age of 69, expressing their profound sadness and regret. Just days before his death, Wright had been hard at work, pre-recording a special Valentine's Day episode of his beloved Love Songs program, which aired on Sunday.
Chapman, who had her own health scare in 2019, returned to her Breakfast Show after receiving the devastating news. Emotions ran high as she tried to put into words what Wright meant to her and to all of his listeners. "It's so difficult to sum up what Steve meant to all of us," the 57-year-old presenter shared. "The news of his passing has come as a complete shock."
It was reported that Wright was preparing to take on a new BBC radio gig, with the station announcing a Radio 2 extension for shows like Sunday Love Songs. As his co-star, Chapman continued to pay tribute to Wright, sharing, "Everyone seems to have such fond memories of our Wrighty because that's how we viewed him and that's how we listened to him. He was ours."
"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," Chapman added, her voice cracking with emotion.
As she filled in for Zoe Ball on her show, Chapman took the time to read out some messages of love and support from listeners. "It is a difficult day, it is a difficult day for all of us but we are doing him justice," Chapman said, trying to hold back her tears.
One particular message proved to be too much for the former Popstars judge to handle, as she read out a memory from a listener who had won a competition to be a guest presenter alongside Wright in 2016. "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 over the airways all my life. I am heartbroken," Chapman read, her voice breaking.
Returning to the show after a song break, Chapman confessed, "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."
Chapman wasn't the only one to break down on air as Sara Cox also struggled to keep it together while trying to help travel journalist Bobbie Pryor through her tearful report. Both Cox and Pryor were visibly emotional as they shared their memories of Wright, making their live broadcast a difficult one to finish.
The entire radio community has come together to pay tribute to Wright, with Jo Whiley sharing how strange it felt to be talking about his death on her BBC Radio 2 show, especially since she had just seen him a few days prior. Scott Mills described Wright as one of the "greatest ever," while Carol Vorderman expressed her shock and sadness.
Wright, who was also known for hosting Top of the Pops, presented his final radio show on Sunday, promising to be back the following week. He signed off with his iconic catchphrase, "Ta-ta then."
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