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An iconic BBC Radio Merseyside star has died.
Jenny Collins was a beloved member in the Merseyside community after founding the radio show in 1967.
Her colleague, BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Roger Lyon took to Facebook on Friday to share the heartbreaking news with his followers.
He wrote: ‘Very sad to hear today of the passing of one of the founding members of Radio Merseyside, the lovely Jenny Collins.’
‘She was there at the start in 1967 and performed many duties both in front of and behind the mike.
The sweet tribute continued with Roger recalling he and Jenny swapping letters.
Founding member of BBC Radio Merseyside, Jenny Collins has died
He penned: ‘I still have letters that we swapped in the mid 90s when I was living and working in Oz, and she was acting Programme Controller, planning what shows I could do on RM when I returned.’
Rounding out the post, Roger fondly remembered the last time he saw Jenny who was married to a jazz critic and broadcaster, Steve Voce.
He said: ‘The last time I saw her was about 4 years ago when she was my guest on RM chatting about her career working there.
‘She was married to Steve Voce who for many years presented a Jazz Programme called Jazz Panorama.
‘She had a great broadcasting voice and was a genuinely lovely person. RIP.’
The post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers.
‘What very sad news indeed. I remember her from the early days of Radio Merseyside and I send to recall she presented a programme for a good while which was aimed specifically at younger audiences.’
‘Oh sad I remember listening to Jenny’
Her colleague, BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Roger Lyon took to Facebook on Friday to share the heartbreaking news with his followers
The post was met with an outpouring of condolences from friends and followers including a BBC employee who shared his gratitude for Jenny’s help with his career
Jenny was married to Steve Voce who for many years presented a Jazz Programme called Jazz Panorama (L-R: Steve Voce, Ruby Braff and Max jones at Manchester Sports Guild, pictured in 1965)
Another BBC employee wrote: ‘Nice words Roger. Remember in the early 90’s, Jenny packed me off to London for a week on a Presenter course. Always believed it was the leg up to my 30 years with BBC Merseyside. RIP Jenny’.
BBC Radio Merseyside became the BBC’s third local radio service when it launched on 22 November 1967, broadcasting from Commerce House in Liverpool.
Jenny was among the original team behind the launch and went on to serve as Senior Producer for many years, also presenting shows such as Junior Spin.
Her husband Steve, sadly died in 2023.
