The radio community has been hit with a wave of sorrow following the passing of two cherished broadcasters who each left a lasting mark on the industry.
From decades of entertaining and informing to connecting communities across continents, Simon Marlow and Darren Scott weren’t just voices on the air — they were lifelines to listeners, friends to colleagues, and storytellers who shaped moments for millions.
Simon Marlow: The Voice Behind the Mic for the Armed Forces
After over 40 years in radio, Simon Marlow’s familiar voice has sadly gone silent.
He passed away in a London hospital on Friday, June 27, after a long and impactful career that stretched across the globe.
Simon had been a cherished part of the British Forces Broadcasting Service (BFBS) since 2007, becoming a pillar of the team both on-air and behind the scenes.
Simon’s radio journey began in 1987 as a freelance voice, and he quickly made a name for himself on major UK stations like Radio City, 2-TEN, Chiltern Radio, and Classic FM.
But it was with BFBS that Simon truly found his rhythm — and his audience.
From Afghanistan to Cyprus, Brunei to Germany, and even the remote Falklands and Northern Ireland, his voice followed the troops, providing a sense of home no matter where they were stationed.
A Legacy of Music, Laughter, and Connection
Simon wasn’t just a broadcaster — he was a magnetic personality described by those who worked with him as a “force of nature.”
His deep love for music and his gift for uniting people, especially within the armed forces community, made him more than just a presenter.
He became a companion to many.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, Simon was based in Gibraltar, and had plans to enjoy retirement in nearby Spain.
However, his passion for the craft led him to continue working, with his final role being Station Manager at BFBS Northern Ireland.
BFBS CEO Ben Chapman shared heartfelt words, saying, “Wherever Simon was, whoever he was with, there was always laughter. He made a difference.”
The official BFBS X (formerly Twitter) page also paid tribute, expressing sadness over the loss of a much-loved colleague and friend.
Darren Scott: A Fighter On and Off the Airwaves
Just weeks before Simon’s passing, the radio world also bid farewell to another remarkable voice — Darren Scott.
Known for his unwavering dedication to the industry, Darren died at age 61 after a prolonged battle with stage 4 malignant melanoma.
The South African station HOT 102.7FM confirmed his death, sharing that Darren fought courageously against the aggressive cancer that had spread throughout his body.
Despite the pain, he remained committed to his work and listeners until the very end.
A Father Remembered, A Life Celebrated
Darren is survived by his two sons, Mark and Matthew.
His former partner, Sarah-Kate Accetta, opened up emotionally about the loss, telling East Coast Radio that she and the boys are now facing a heartbreaking new reality.
“As we make our way back home now, to not only commemorate his life but to learn how to face life without him, I ask from the bottom of my heart: please pray for the boys,” she shared.
“Their world has changed forever.”
Sarah-Kate also expressed her desire to fill their sons’ lives with joy and memories, keeping Darren’s stories alive through laughter and love.
HOT 102.7FM Breakfast presenter Simon Parkinson echoed the sentiments of many, calling Darren “the most dedicated radio person” he’s ever known.
The End of an Era, But Not Their Impact
Simon Marlow and Darren Scott may no longer be with us, but their influence continues to ripple through the airwaves.
Whether it was Simon comforting troops thousands of miles from home or Darren pushing through pain to serve his audience, both men embodied the very spirit of radio: connection, resilience, and heart.
Their voices may be gone, but their stories — and their impact — will never fade.