Steve Wright has been hailed an “inspiration” in the wake of his shock death aged 69.

The veteran BBC radio and TV broadcaster’s passing was announced by his family on Tuesday (13.02.24) – with his colleague Sara Cox heard choking back tears as she reacted to the news while she was on air as it was included in a 5pm bulletin on her BBC Radio 2 show.

Radio 2 DJ Zoë Ball, 53, has now also led tributes to Steve, telling her fans on her Instagram in a caption alongside a picture of the presenter holding a coffee cup: “Wrighty. Our Radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, the Godfather, a dear friend, always there for us all with support, advice and love and most importantly laughter.

“Rest well you wonderful magic man. Life won’t be the same without you here. Love you my friend my hero x.

“Thoughts to Steve's family, his beloved listeners, Tim, Jayney, Bobbi and his team.”

Steve’s family had said in their statement announcing his death he was survived by his son Tom and daughter Lucy, as well as his brother Laurence and dad Richard.

Vernon Kay, 49, who also presents on Radio 2, said in a long post online about his late colleague: “Words, alone, do not feel enough, to attempt to describe the respect I had, for this man; this titan of radio and someone I was so proud to call a friend.

“Thank you Steve, for the decades of joy you brought to the airwaves, entertaining us all with your wit, warmth and that most wonderful of voices.

“On a personal level I’ll never forget your kindness for mentoring me in my early years of radio broadcasting, for the hours we spent chatting and laughing on the phone.

“You always so generously imparted your wisdom and advice.

“The word ‘legend’ was truly made for you Steve. You will be so missed by everyone. Rest in peace, my friend.”

Radio host Jo Whiley, 58, said in her tribute: “What a man. What a legend. The broadcaster’s broadcaster.

“One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support and music chat over the years.”

Other famous faces sharing tributes were Eamonn Holmes, who called Steve a “talent” in a “world of mediocrity”.

Piers Morgan, 58, called him “one of Britain’s greatest ever radio broadcasters”, while presenter Paddy McGuinness, 50, said: “A massive loss to broadcasting. I grew up listening to Steve Wright in the afternoon, a big part of my formative years. It was a huge honour for me to appear on his shows. RIP Steve Wright.”

DJ Tony Blackburn, 81, added in his tribute: “I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away.