Radio 4 host Hewlett dies of cancer aged 58

BBC presenter Steve Hewlett has died, aged 58, after a battle with cancer.

The broadcaster, who spoke candidly of his experience in a series of interviews for Radio 4, died yesterday, with his family by his side, at London’s Royal Marsden Hospital while listening to the music of Bob Dylan.

His family said: “Over the last year, we have been overwhelmed by the support of friends, colleagues and Radio 4 listeners.

“The messages helped Steve enormously, especially over the last few months.

“The Royal Marsden has been amazing and BBC’s Steve Hewlett we are indebted to all the wonderful staff there.” Hewlett was diagnosed with cancer of the oesophagus in March last year. He married his partner Rachel in hospital earlier this month after being told he might have weeks to live. The presenter of Radio 4’s The Media Show was also the editor of Panorama when Diana, Princess of Wales, gave her famous interview in 1995. He said of his illness: “I’m a journalist and a storyteller and I regard my condition as a bit of a story. I don’t feel my life has been snatched away. I’ve had a pretty good run of it.”