He was a voice that filled homes for decades, but behind the iconic BBC microphone, Steve Wright lived a life far less extravagant than his celebrity suggested.

Now, after his passing, new details about his estate — and a surprising family rift — are shedding light on the beloved broadcaster’s final days.

A Modest Legacy from a Radio Legend

Despite a long and successful career in British radio, Steve Wright left behind a relatively modest estate.

When he passed away in February 2024 at age 69, his will revealed that he left just over £40,000 in net assets.

That’s despite owning a home in London worth around £2 million.

Wright’s final wishes were simple and thoughtful.

He chose to donate £15,000 to Cancer Research and £10,000 to the British Heart Foundation, leaving the remaining £25,000 or so to his two children, Lucy and Tom.

A Career That Defined British Radio

Steve Wright’s voice became a national treasure.

He joined BBC Radio 1 in 1980, quickly rising through the ranks with his unique on-air personality.

From the Saturday evening show to the iconic Steve Wright in the Afternoon, he entertained millions with his witty banter and signature “Factoids” segment.

His influence only grew when he moved to BBC Radio 2, where he hosted Sunday Love Songs, and most recently, Pick of the Pops — a role he took over in late 2023.

Tragically, his Valentine’s Day show was pre-recorded and aired just days after his death.

Family Heartbreak and a Deep Loss

After Steve’s death, his family shared a heartfelt statement describing him as “beloved” and noting the sorrow felt not only by his loved ones but also by the millions of listeners who welcomed him into their daily routines.

He left behind his children, father Richard, brother Laurence, and countless fans.

But behind the scenes, the Wright family faced more than just grief.

Tension Behind Closed Doors: A Surprise Wedding Sparks Fallout

In the months following Steve’s death, family tensions reportedly escalated — and the source was unexpected.

His 94-year-old father Richard had married his much younger carer, Marta, who is 43 years his junior.

The wedding, which took place in September 2024 at Worthing Library in West Sussex, raised eyebrows and stirred emotions.

Only nine people attended, and Steve’s brother Laurence was notably absent, allegedly due to his disapproval of the relationship.

Sources say Laurence was deeply upset, seeing the age gap and sudden marriage as troubling.

Marta defended the relationship, insisting to The Sun that the marriage was based on love, calling the situation “difficult” but denying any wrongdoing.

Steve’s Health Struggles and the Quiet Toll of Workaholism

In a candid interview after Steve’s passing, Laurence opened up about his brother’s health — and the lifestyle choices that may have contributed to his sudden death from a ruptured stomach ulcer.

According to Laurence, Steve rarely spoke about his health.

He led a life so wrapped up in his work that things like exercise, home-cooked meals, and regular doctor visits took a back seat.

He loved eating out, especially at the RAC Club in London, and often skipped cooking due to his busy schedule.

“He was a stoic kind of guy,” Laurence said.

“If something was wrong, he’d deal with it quietly, never complain, never make a fuss.

But that probably didn’t help him in the long run.”

No Bitterness Over BBC Exit, Just a Need to Slow Down

Though fans were shocked when the BBC decided to replace Steve on Radio 2’s Afternoon Show in 2022, Laurence insisted his brother didn’t harbor resentment.

In fact, he was grateful for the rest.

He used the time to focus on other projects, like Pick of the Pops and Sunday Love Songs.

Still, he remained passionate about radio right up until the end.

A Quiet Farewell and a Legacy of Kindness

Steve’s final show signed off with a simple:
“I’ll be back for more love songs next Sunday, ta-da then.”
Heartbreakingly, that return would never come.

While his estate may have been smaller than expected, his final acts of charity, his decades of service to radio, and the joy he brought to countless listeners leave a much bigger legacy — one built not on money, but on heart.