Much-loved Welsh DJ Chris Needs dies at 68
POPULAR and much-loved Welsh radio presenter Chris Needs has died at the age of 68.
A statement released by BBC Radio Wales said: “It is with enormous sadness and regret that we confirm the death of Chris Needs MBE following a short period of ill-health.
“Through his Friendly Garden, Chris brought pleasure and comfort to thousands of listeners, from all over the world, who treated him like a true friend. The thoughts of everyone at BBC Radio Wales are with Chris’ husband Gabe, his family and his many friends at this time.”
Tributes have been pouring in for the presenter.
Colin Paterson, editor at BBC Radio Wales, said: “Chris was an amazing character – a one-off and an all-round entertainer.
“A giant of Welsh radio, he spent years with the commercial sector before moving to the BBC, where he broadcast in both Welsh and English, on television and radio. His contribution to Radio Wales can’t be underestimated, not least in recent months when he has provided comfort and companionship to our listeners. And for almost 20 years, the Friendly Garden brought people together from across the world. The ability to bring people together was one of his many strengths and I know the Garden team, along with all of us at Radio Wales will miss him.”
Broadcaster Kev Johns MBE said that Welsh radio has lost a “unique talent”.
“Sad to hear the news that Chris Needs has passed away When it looked like things weren’t going to go well at Swansea Sound just weeks ago Chris was the first to call with support and kind words. Welsh radio has lost a unique talent, life has lost a kind man. Love and prayers to Gabe.”
Presenters Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney for Radio Cardiff said: “RIP Chris Needs. The radio airwaves and Wales have lost a legend.”
Chris Needs was born in Cwmafan near Port Talbot in 1954.
Before joining Radio Wales, Chris was a star presenter for six years for independent Welsh radio. He built up a large and loyal following with his cheerful one-to-one style.
In 1996’s Radio “Oscars” he won the coveted Sony Silver Award for Best Regional Presenter.
Chris joined Radio Wales along with a host of other new presenters in August 1996, as part of a revamp of the schedules.
He began by co-presenting the mid-morning magazine programme Live Time and an edition of the afternoon phone-in show The Network.
Chris then hosted his own brand of late-night music and chat with The Friendly Garden Programme. In 2005, he was awarded the MBE, which he collected from the Queen at Buckingham Palace.
In 2006, Chris described how he was consumed by deep depression when his 66-year-old mother Margaret Rose died in his arms from a massive heart attack in 2001.
He said of her death: “When I lost her, I lost my mum and my best friend – it broke me.
“She was only 17 years older than me – more like my twin sister than a mother.
“Despite everything I’ve managed to achieve in my life – the cars, the houses, my boat, the fame, the MBE – I can’t change the most important fact, that mum’s not here with me.
“If I could I’d give it all up, every little thing, just to spent five more minutes with her.”
He credited husband Gabe Cameron as saving his life during that dark period of his life.
He added: “I’ve always said that had it not been for Gabe I’d be in the ground too by now.”