Steve Wright has signed off from his BBC Radio 2 afternoon show after 23 years of broadcasting.
The 68-year-old presenter announced in July that he’d be bidding farewell to “The Big Show” as part of a shake-up to the station’s schedule.
On Friday’s final edition of Steve Wright In The Afternoon, he said: “I’m so glad today was a celebration of the programme.”
His last song was Queen’s Radio Gaga and he ended the show by sharing memories with contributors Tim Smith, Bobbie Prior and Janey Lee Grace.
A huge thank you to Steve Wright for his 23 years of Steve Wright In The Afternoon! 🧡
Read in full 👉 https://t.co/Joqs2nL0RL pic.twitter.com/zL1a83lOHB
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) September 29, 2022
A popular presenter on the station, Wright is credited with being an innovative and influential broadcaster, introducing the ‘zoo format’ to British radio with shows packed with comedy activities, segments and featuring multiple on-air personalities and characters.
He began his BBC career at Radio 1, hosting an earlier version of the show between 1981 and 1993 before a stint on breakfast.
He has presented Steve Wright In The Afternoon on the Radio 2 slot since 1999 and also presents Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs on the network.
He will retain his Sunday slot and has promised further projects in the near future, including documentaries, Christmas specials, and a new version of his popular Serious Jockin’ feature on BBC Sounds from November.
For a few years, I had the privilege of being Steve’s Executive Producer at Radio 2. I learnt so much
He also presented my specials on Billy Joel and Celine Dion
Nobody loves the medium of radio more than Steve
Bravo sir, here’s to new adventures #SteveWright #TheLastBigShow pic.twitter.com/fLJxxT5Hy8
— Malcolm Prince (@malprin) September 30, 2022
Scott Mills, who left Radio 1 in August after his own lengthy stint of 24 years, will take over in the 2-4pm slot later this month, with current drivetime host Sara Cox beginning her show an hour earlier.
Opening his final show, Wright said: “Last show, bit of pressure, got to make it a good one.”
After playing How Bizarre by OMC, Wright added: “No tension here, just fun, celebration and thanks to you.
“I am going to try and do my normal bits because I don’t want to go to pieces. I don’t want to be in bits but I might.”
As Steve Wright in the Afternoon comes to the end of its 23-year run this week, here's the @bbcradio2 weekday afternoon schedule between 2 and 5 for every year since the beginning of time. A Big Show it has been indeed! pic.twitter.com/NMf1cFiDRz
— Dale Langford (@dalglos) September 27, 2022
It’s truly a sad day for us British radio anoraks, fans, professionals and everyone who idolized Steve Wright and the #SteveWrightInTheAfternoon show on @BBCRadio2. His commitment, consistency and comedy were always second to none. Gonna miss all of it. Love the show, Steve.🎙️ pic.twitter.com/EqbDnOvT3y
— Anthony Davis (@theanthonydavis) September 30, 2022
The veteran host made an emotional personal address during his final show thanking his “dear listeners smashing and loyal.”
“Thank you if you’ve ever seen your way to listening to us over 23 years at any time. Thank you, thank you and thank you again,” he said.
“Corny though it sounds, I quite like the way we’ve all helped each other get through some of our ongoing problems together, the pandemic, the financial downturn, the ups and downs of life in the UK.
“Sometimes it has been very difficult for everybody. We’ve tried on this programme to bring just a little bit of light relief, a good genuine atmosphere, uplifting tunes, good conversation, a little bit of satire, we try to make the show unique and just be good company.
“I can only hope we have done that some of the time.
“Also really aware there are more things to think about than a radio show ending so I don’t want to be too self-indulgent. What I do want to do is celebrate the show’s success and long run and also mention that I’m not retiring, I am not retiring,” he said comically.
He later added: “Hands up for celebration and no regrets.”
It's quite surreal that a man I've listened to in the afternoon from around 1981 on @BBCR1 and now on @BBCRadio2 is coming to an end tomorrow. Im genuinely gutted. Thanks Steve Wright for making me laugh over the last 40 years. He's like a favourite uncle. Thank you #sobbing no G pic.twitter.com/IuwzNQQgAu
— Paul Miles (@paulmpresents) September 29, 2022
A number of famous listeners gave their thanks to the broadcaster.
The BBC’s John Simpson tweeted: “Really sad to think that the great Steve Wright is leaving his @BBCRadio2 slot this afternoon. Bless you, Steve, and thanks for all the fun interviews we’ve done over the years — and for all the huge pleasure you’ve given to millions upon millions of listeners.”
Author and presenter Richard Osman said: “Will be listening to Steve Wright’s final Radio 2 afternoon show today. He’s been entertaining me for nearly 40 years (no, not non-stop) and I’m looking forward to seeing where he goes next. Good luck Steve, and thank you!”
Former Radio 2 host Simon Mayo tweeted: “So farewell Steve Wright in the Afternoon. Shows of a staggeringly high standard, day after a day, year after year, from a brilliant operator and one of the hardest workers I’ve met. Loved the show Steve.”
Lorraine Kelly said: “Can’t believe it’s the last #SteveWrightInTheAfternoon – loved being a listener and also lucky enough to have been a guest. Steve is such a brilliant broadcaster.”
© PAWright issued a statement before the final broadcast, thanking listeners and insisting he wasn’t retiring, saying: “I just wanted to express my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has taken the trouble to listen at any time over the last 23 years. I personally would like to say what a privilege it’s been bringing you great choons, conversation, information, entertainment, high humour and of course great guests.
“I know I’ve been extremely lucky to do this work and have never taken it for granted.
“Over the years, I’ve tried to evolve the programme – always updating and reinventing while hopefully keeping it topical, relatable and fun. And I’m so glad that a lot of people have appreciated our eccentric and surreal sense of humour.”
He added: “I fully understand that it’s not possible to continue this programme, but on the other hand I’m grateful that this show has endured for so long.
“I’d like also to clear something up. I’m not retiring!!! I repeat, I am NOT retiring!!!
“I am taking a break from daytime radio and will continue at Radio 2. I’ll be going a tad digital with a podcast, Serious Jockin’ will still be there on BBC Sounds, and Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs continues on Radio 2 every weekend.
“Plus I’m hosting a special programme on Radio 2 on National Album Day, and in addition I’m presenting a whole lot of festive specials over Christmas.
“Obviously I won’t be quite as busy during weekdays, and will take the opportunity to have some lunch and do some of the other work I’m lucky enough to be offered – TV, live hosting and gigs. There is no truth in the rumour I’m planning to open my own artisan bakery, and I’ve turned down twice the chance to open my own nail bar. So it’s all good.
“Please do listen to Scott Mills and Sara Cox when they take over afternoons. They are both brilliant broadcasters and I truly wish them well when they start.”
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