As tributes roll in for legendary Radio 2 presenter Steve Wright, one of his closest collaborators has spoken out—claiming the BBC didn’t just mishandle his legacy, but also let him down in his final chapter.
A Friend Speaks Out
Anthony James, who worked closely with Wright on shows like Steve Wright in the Afternoon and Sunday Love Songs, has publicly criticised the BBC for how it treated the beloved broadcaster—especially in the months before his passing.
James believes that Wright, who died in February last year at the age of 69 due to a ruptured stomach ulcer, was emotionally and physically worn down by the way things ended at the network.
A Sudden Exit, Despite Soaring Ratings
Back in 2022, Wright’s popular afternoon slot was suddenly dropped, even though it was pulling in huge audience numbers.
James revealed that Wright had been informed about the cancellation nine months in advance but was told to keep it under wraps.
The decision reportedly blindsided Wright, especially since he had believed BBC Radio 2 boss Helen Thomas was working on transitioning the show to a digital format.
A Private Plea to the Top
Frustrated and uncertain, Wright is said to have approached BBC director-general Tim Davie for clarity.
According to James, Davie responded with disbelief, allegedly telling Wright, “I can’t believe she fired you… I wouldn’t have fired you myself.”
The BBC, however, has denied that this conversation took place.
BBC Accused of a Shift in Values
James believes Wright’s sacking was part of a wider strategy to move away from presenters seen as outdated.
He claims the BBC had begun phasing out personalities who were “pale, male and stale”—a phrase that, in his view, dismissed the loyal connection audiences had with familiar voices. “They wanted Radio 2 to be cool,” he said.
“But who cares about cool? It’s about entertainment.”
The Toll on Wright’s Health
According to James, the sudden and unexplained end to Wright’s long-running show hit him hard.
He never fully processed it. “He didn’t really stop to accept it. I think it ate him up,” James said. “It got worse, and his health got worse.”
Though Wright continued to work on other projects, James believes the stress took its toll.
A Tribute or a PR Move?
Later this month, the BBC will air a tribute concert in Wright’s honour. But James isn’t convinced it’s entirely heartfelt.
He said that while Helen Thomas reached out last year for permission to use his music in the tribute, she also reportedly hinted that the event could be a good networking opportunity. James wasn’t impressed. “This isn’t about networking,” he told her.
“This is about a tribute to my friend.” He later declined to attend.
James suspects the BBC’s urgency around the concert is less about love for Wright and more about optics—he thinks they were worried it would “look bad” if he wasn’t properly honoured.
BBC Responds to the Backlash
In response to the criticism, the BBC issued a statement praising Wright as a cherished member of the Radio 2 family.
They highlighted his decades of service, including flagship programmes like Pick of the Pops, Sunday Love Songs, and various specials.
As for the accusation that Radio 2 was chasing a “cool” image, the BBC pushed back, saying the station has never aimed to be trendy—only to provide a rich mix of programming and music across seven decades.
Support and Health Conversations
The BBC also addressed concerns about Wright’s health.
They stated that Helen Thomas had regular conversations with Wright about his wellbeing and encouraged him to seek medical care.
They added that he was supported by the network through multiple health issues.