BBC announce death of radio legend Brian .. who’s not dead
Radio Two rush out apology after saying Sounds of the 60s presenter had passed away
THE BBC were forced to backtrack embarrassingly after wrongly saying Radio 2 DJ Brian Matthew had died.
They announced yesterday that Brian – who hosted Sounds of the 60s for 27 years until he stepped down due to ill health this year – passed away in the night.
Radio 2 said they put out the statement on behalf of the 88-year-old’s family.
But hours later, they had to release a second statement, reading: “We were informed by close family and friends that Brian had passed away in the night.
“They have since been in contact to say that he remains critically ill.”
The initial statement prompted fans and fellow DJs to pay tribute to Brian.
A senior BBC source said several sources, including a family member, had told them of the death. The source added: “We made the announcement at the time we did because we were asked to do so by the family.
“What happened is regrettable but the error was not ours.”
The BBC said they would “update with more information” on Brian’s health when they had it.
Brian left the show in February after health problems. His 8am Saturday slot was moved to 6am and it is now presented by Tony Blackburn.
In January, Brian branded Radio 2 bosses’ decision to replace him after he was hospitalised as “balderdash”.
He added: “I was ready and willing and able to go back.”