Scott Mills pays moving tribute to BBC Radio 2 predecessor Steve Wright after his death
Steve's Wright, 69, was replaced by Scott Mills in 2022 after spending over 40 years presenting shows on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 1.
Sara Cox 'devastated' by DJ Steve Wright's passing
Scott Mills has shared a moving tribute to BBC Radio 2 legend Steve Wright, who died at the age of 69 on Tuesday. The veteran host died on February 13 in a statement confirmed by his family.
The 50-year-old, who replaced Steve on BBC Radio 2 in 2022, penned on X: "Steve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters. He made everything sound effortless, and worked so hard to make every show world class.
"He was a constant inspiration to me on how to do radio that sounded big. When I first started doing shows at Radio 2, he and I spent hours reminiscing about his days at Radio 1, and I would listen to his stories and wisdom in awe. My thoughts are with his family and my colleagues who have worked with him for so many years. Steve, you’re the best to ever do it."
In an announcement made in July 2022, Scott was confirmed to be moving over from BBC Radio 1 after 24 years and taking over Steve's mid-afternoon slot.
Steve hosted Steve Wright in the Afternoon on Radio 2 since 1999, and also presented the slot Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs.
READ MORE: Steve Wright's BBC co-star halts report and breaks down in tears live on air [LATEST]
Steve Wright is one of our greatest ever broadcasters.
— Scott Mills (@scott_mills) February 13, 2024
He made everything sound effortless, and worked so hard to make every show world class. He was a constant inspiration to me on how to do radio that sounded big.
When I first started doing shows at Radio 2, he and I spent… pic.twitter.com/JaDhslh0n7
Vernon Kay, who replaced BBC Radio 2 host Ken Bruce last year, also posted an emotional tribute on Instagram. He said: "Words, alone, do not feel enough, to attempt to describe the respect I had, for this man; this titan of radio and someone I was so proud to call a friend.
"Thank you Steve, for the decades of joy you brought to the airwaves, entertaining us all with your wit, warmth and that most wonderful of voices. On a personal level I’ll never forget your kindness for mentoring me in my early years of radio broadcasting, for the hours we spent chatting and laughing on the phone.
"You always so generously imparted your wisdom and advice. The word 'legend' was truly made for you Steve. You will be so missed by everyone. Rest in peace, my friend."
Don't miss...
Piers Morgan leads agonising tributes to Radio 2 legend Steve Wright after death [READ ]
DJ Steve Wright's last radio appearance just days before he died [LISTEN]
BBC Radio 2's Sara Cox close to tears following news Steve Wright has died [LATEST]
Other names who have paid tribute to Steve include Piers Morgan, Richard Hammond, Zoe Ball and Ken Bruce. 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."
Steve's former colleagues from BBC Radio 2 have also paid tribute, including Tony Blackburn who said: "I am so sad that my dear friend Steve Wright has passed away. He was a great broadcaster and we just loved one another’s company. I was shocked at the news and will miss him terribly."