Steve Wright's successor urges listeners to 'hug' loved ones in emotional plea (2024)

Radio 2 has overhauled its line-up after the shock death of Steve Wright, with Michael Ball stepping into his shoes for Sunday Love Songs.

The new host paid touching tribute to the late Radio legend, urging listeners to ‘hug’ loved ones as he took over the popular BBC Radio 2 show for the first time this weekend.

Presenter and theatre star Ball welcomed listeners to the all-new Sunday Love Songs – his first time as host since the passing of radio legend Steve Wright.

Wright, who died in February this year aged 69, had been the much-loved host since its inception in 1996.

The BBC announced in April that Ball, 60, would be appointed as Wright’s full-time successor upon the show’s return.

Kicking off this new version of Sunday Love Songs, Ball marked his position by playing Love Is All Around by Wet Wet Wet – best known for the Christmassy version sung by Bill Nighy in Love Actually.

And, as the show came to a close two hours later, he paid heartfelt tribute to his much-missed predecessor by playing one of Wright’s favourite songs.

‘For this first week, the last dance is a very special song. It was one of Steve Wright’s favourites. So in memory of Steve, I want you to give someone a hug. Make that time for it now.

‘Your partner, friend, child, parent. Even your pet, and if you’re on your own right now, I’m embracing you with a virtual hug.

‘And I want to take this opportunity to thank Steve. His legacy on Radio 2 is immeasurable. He created Love Songs and I am so, so proud to be carrying the baton for him into the future.

‘You are missed friend, and this is for you,’ he finished, before playing Wichita Lineman by Glen Campbell – one of the late disc jockey’s favourites.

As the show ended, listeners took to social media site X to share their thoughts on Ball’s first show, and his tribute to Wright.

‘Lovely tribute to Steve Wright on love songs, I’m crying. First great show so keep up the good work xx,’ wrote hspool18.

‘OMG Michael Ball and Radio 2 I’m in bits at the ending of the show. Congratulations on a fabulous 2 hours,’ agreed @Helen_frankl.

‘Love Songs today was fabulous. Couldn’t have picked a better person to take on theis show from Steve Wright. Thank you Michael Ball, you’ve done Steve, Radio 2 and yourself proud,’ said Sammy_Holl.

‘Class act, that last dance today on Love Songs…’ commented mattr1975.

‘Lovely Love Songs programme this morning and wonderful tribute to Steve. Thank you Michael,’ said kate_exhead.

Wright rose to fame as a radio DJ with his BBC Radio 1 show in the 1980s, before making the move to their Breakfast Show from 1994 to 1995.

He then moved to Radio 2, where he first hosted Steve Wright’s Saturday Show before launching Steve Wright in the Afternoon, which aired on weekdays from 1999 to 20002.

Signing off his final afternoon show in September 2022, Wright played out with Radio Ga Ga by Queen.

Those are the closing moments of Steve Wright on the afternoon on Radio 2,’ intoned Wright as the ballad ended.

He continued to present Sunday Love Songs until his death in February, with Nicki Chapman filling in before Ball’s appointment.

No inquest will be held into the star’s death, with the police remarking that the incident was ‘unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious.’

Announcing that he would be taking over the big show, Ball said: ‘Steve made Love Songs “appointment to listen” radio. I’m beyond excited to be tasked with the chance to continue with his extraordinary legacy.’

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