North East radio presenter Paul ‘Goffy’ Gough has heaped praise on a legendary BBC Radio presenter who is about to exit his daily radio show.

Steve Wright will host his final BBC Radio 2 afternoon show this Friday, September 30 between 2pm and 5pm.

His show, ‘Steve Wright in the Afternoon’ has caused much reaction following the announcement that the hugely popular long-running show will be axed.

His exit is part of a wider shake-up on BBC Radio that has seen many high-profile presenters depart from their established shows.

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BBC Radio Tees presenter Paul ‘Goffy ’Gough praised the radio legend for his many years of longevity at the top.

Goffy said: “Steve Wright is one of the greatest radio presenters of his generation. I remember when I was first getting the bug for being on the radio, Steve Wright was the real must-listen (he still is). His afternoon mix on BBC Radio 1 back from starting in 1981 was full of characters such as ‘Syd the Manager’, ‘Mr Angry’ and ‘Gervais the hairdresser’ which made for compulsive listening and Steve kept it all together brilliantly with his mix of chat and music.

“During my 30 years of working in radio it is amazing how many have been inspired by listening to him. My great friend John Myers, one of the best known radio executives in this country, always told me that Steve was his favourite and that is some compliment.

“I reckon John would be very sad that Steve’s reign is coming to an end if he was still with us today, he would understand the challenges that consistently delivering great radio every day is not as easy as it sounds and of course the pressures that delivering big audiences bring with it too.

“When he joined BBC Radio 2 he very much reinvented his style and his show became a blend of big name guests, showbiz and lifestyle features.

“His fans will miss him massively as he has been a constant in an ever changing world that has seen us share major life issues together recently. The bond and heritage he has built with listeners in the afternoons since he started in 1999 will leave many feeling like they have lost a good reliable friend  – only the very best radio presenters have that kind of hold on their listeners.

“It’s good to see that at least his Sunday Love Songs show will remain on air at BBC Radio 2.”

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Steve Wright explained earlier in the summer that he was leaving the show as his ‘friend and boss’ Helen Thomas, who is the Head of Radio 2, wanted to do something different in the afternoons.

Steve said: “Now, I’ve been doing this programme for 24 years at Radio 2, and so how can I possibly complain? The support and creative freedom that I’m given is fantastic at Radio 2 and really I can’t hog the slot forever, so let’s give somebody else a go.”

Scott Mills will be taking over Steve's afternoon slot, presenting on BBC Radio 2 from 2pm to 4pm every Monday to Friday.

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