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Steve Wright was reportedly in talks to front a new BBC television show just weeks before he tragically passed away. The 69-year-old died this week, with his family confirming the news in a statement on February 13.
According to the Daily Mirror, Simon Margaroli spoke to the veteran host two weeks ago when he stayed in a hotel he manages. He detailed: “He talked of an imminent meeting with a lady from the BBC regarding a new TV series that he was hoping to be involved with, which he was very excited about.
“He said that was about people such as airline stewardesses or restaurant managers, chambermaids, and traffic wardens all spilling the beans about their lives – basically the people we all see every day but never hear their stories.”
Steve originally hosted Steve Wright in the Afternoon on Radio 2 since 1999, and also presented the slot Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs. He was replaced by Scott Mills in 2022, who took over from his mid-afternoon slot.
The radio legend was found dead in his flat on Monday and his cause of death is unknown. Following his sudden death, tributes soon came flooding in from Steve’s former colleagues and other BBC presenters.
However, BBC Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas sparked fury after she issued a statement in tribute to Steve. According to MailOnline, they reported that BBC staff are “enraged” at Helen after she described Steve as being “second to none”, with insiders claiming that her tribute was “tone deaf”.
Helen’s tribute said: “He was a consummate professional whose attention to detail was always second to none, and he made his guests laugh, he was fair, and he wanted to showcase them and their work in the best possible light, bringing brilliant stories to our listeners.
“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.”
A spokesperson from the BBC said to Express.co.uk: “Steve was deeply loved by the Radio 2 family and listeners, and for almost three decades he hosted a raft of brilliant shows on the network enjoyed by millions.
“In addition to his past Saturday and Afternoon Shows, Steve’s Sunday Love Songs has been on air since 1996, and most recently Steve also hosted the legendary Pick of the Pops on Saturdays, alongside a variety of specials on Radio 2, and Steve Wright: The Best of the Guests, Steve Wright’s Summer Nights and Steve Wright’s Love Songs Extra on BBC Sounds. We will miss him dearly.”
Other names who have paid tribute to Steve include Piers Morgan, Richard Hammond and Zoe Ball. BBC Director-General Tim Davie also posted a statement to a “truly wonderful broadcaster”. He said: “All of us at the BBC are heartbroken to hear this terribly sad news.
“Steve was a truly wonderful broadcaster who has been a huge part of so many of our lives over many decades. He was the ultimate professional – passionate about the craft of radio and deeply in touch with his listeners… We are thinking of Steve and his family and will miss him terribly.”
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Source: NewsFinale
