STEVE: SHOW IS NOT OVER
DJ Wright signs off... for now
STEVE Wright made an emotional exit from his Radio 2 afternoon show after 23 years, giving loyal fans his “heartfelt thanks” for listening in for so long.
But he stressed that he wasn’t giving up on radio presenting, telling listeners yesterday: “I’m not retiring. I repeat, I am NOT retiring!”
DJ Steve, 68, said he appreciated the “outpouring of goodwill” he and his team had received since BBC bosses decided to shake up the schedule.
He added: “I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to listen.
“I know I’ve been extremely lucky to do this work.”
Steve Wright in the Afternoon launched in July 1999. Its slot will now be split between presenters Scott Mills and Sara Cox.
Steve, who made his name with his Radio 1 show from 1981, described the pair as “brilliant broadcasters”.
Steve said he loved updating and reinventing the programme over the years. “I’m so glad that a lot of people have appreciated our eccentric and surreal sense of humour,” he said.
Steve also thanked all the stars and experts who have appeared over the years, plus his co-hosts Tim Smith, Janey Lee Grace and Bobbie Pryor.
Janey said she loved her job so much that she would have continued even if she won the Lottery. Tim agreed, saying he “wouldn’t have swapped it for the world”.
Steve will remain on Radio 2 with his weekly Sunday Love Songs and will launch his Serious Jockin’ podcast on BBC Sounds in November.
He said he plans to “take the opportunity to have some lunch” plus do some TV work, live hosting and gigs.
Former Radio 1 colleague Nicky Campbell paid tribute, saying: “He’s a conjurer, a magician... a radio genius and will always be a radio hero.”
Steve played out with Queen’s Radio Ga Ga, admitting that the long goodbye had left the team feeling sad.
“We’ve shed a few tears over the past few weeks,” he said.