A colleague and friend of Radio 2 DJ Steve Wright has accused the BBC of tarnishing his legacy and mistreating the star in the lead up to his death.
Wright, 69, died from a ruptured stomach ulcer in February last year, leaving thousands of fans of the beloved radio personality heartbroken.
His colleague Anthony James, who worked on the music on Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Steve Wright’s Sunday Love Songs, has said he is unhappy with the BBC’s handling of his friend’s career – both before and after his death.
In 2022, Wright was axed from the BBC, despite the success of his show being ‘through the roof’.
The star admitted to James that he had been told of its cancellation and sworn to secrecy by the corporation nine months beforehand.
However, he believed he had been reassured by Helen Thomas, the head of BBC Radio 2, that the show would continue via a new digital channel.
When the months went by with no word on this, Wright was said to have approached director-general Tim Davie, who allegedly told Wright: ‘I can’t believe she fired you… I wouldn’t have fired you myself.’ The BBC has denied this.
James claimed the axing of Steve Wright in the Afternoon was part of a move by the BBC to ban broadcasters considered too ‘pale, male and stale’.
Steve Wright (left) with his friend and colleague Anthony James (right)
Wright, 69, died from a ruptured stomach ulcer in February last year, according to his death certificate, leaving thousands of fans of the beloved radio personality heartbroken
He told The Telegraph: ‘They thought that this idea of personality is old style; it’s not cool anymore, we should make Radio 2 cool.
‘But who gives a s*** about cool? It’s about being entertained.’
James claimed the effect of the sacking on Wright’s physical and mental health was devastating. ‘He didn’t really stop to accept it. I think it ate him up,’ he said. ‘It got worse, and his health got worse.’
Later this month, BBC Radio 2 will broadcast a tribute concert for Wright in his memory.
Thomas previously wrote to James last year, seeking permission to play his music in a BBC tribute concert for Wright.
He initially agreed, but later told Thomas he did not plan to attend.
In 2022, Wright was axed from the BBC, despite the success of his show being ‘through the roof’
Steve Wright was found dead at his flat in Marylebone in London
In the week before the concert, she allegedly suggested the event would be a good opportunity to network. ‘This is not about networking. This is about a tribute to my friend,’ James said.
James believes the last-minute push to honour Wright was driven by concern that his absence would ‘look bad’ for the BBC.
A BBC spokesperson said: ‘Steve was deeply loved by the Radio 2 family and listeners and we all miss him dearly. For almost three decades he hosted a raft of brilliant shows on the network.
‘Steve’s Sunday Love Songs had been on air since 1996 and he was excited to take on the legendary Pick of the Pops alongside a variety of specials on Radio 2 including Steve Wright: The Best of the Guests, Steve Wright’s Summer Nights and Steve Wright’s Love Songs Extra on BBC Sounds.’
On Radio 2 being cool, the spokesperson added: ‘Radio 2 has never tried to be cool, but continues to give the station’s 12.6m listeners the widest variety of distinctive programming coupled with music from the past seven decades.’
The BBC said Thomas talked regularly with Wright about his health and encouraged him to seek medical attention, and the star was supported by Thomas following his various procedures.
