Late DJ Steve Wright died two years ago years after he left his role with the BBC, but now his colleague and friend is suing the corporation
Beloved DJ Steve Wright died at the age of 69 two years ago after being found dead at his home. The popular BBC Radio 2 host held his much-loved slot from 1999 until 2022 when it was taken over by Scott Mills.
When he announced he was leaving his position, he hinted it wasn’t his decision. Friends later shared how the loss “devastated” him – with one taking legal action.
The star had reportedly spoken to BBC Radio bosses just days before his death about his health and last appeared on air just a day before for a pre-recorded Valentines Day special. It became his final ever broadcast.
Now, a friend of Steve’s has revealed he is taking the organisation to court following his pal’s passing. His friend and colleague of almost 40 years, Anthony James Rutt – known professionally as AJ – was disgusted by what he labelled crocodile tears by the BBC following Steve’s death.
And he has launched action against the corporation in the High Court. AJ told the Daily Mail: “I’ve been advised to allow the legal process to run its course without public discussion. I appreciate your understanding.”
The BBC aired four special editions of Top of the Pops after his death, which the presenter had previously hosted – including his last outing in October 1989. The final episode ended with a portrait of Steve taken at Wogan House leaving viewers in tears. “Saw the first episode and thought how good he was,” posted one fan to social media.
“It was a pleasure to watch 4 vintage top of the pops presented by Steve Wright last night on BBC 4. The last one was his final ever episode and fittingly it ended with him and his co presenter genuinely laughing,” a follower said.
“Watching reruns of Top of the Pops featuring Steve Wright. Some of the performances haven’t stood the test of time, but Steve’s enthusiasm shines through it all. A sad loss,” agreed another.
Last year, AJ opened up about the effect the BBC’s decision to relieve Steve of his duties. He said that his friend was let go despite having ratings that were “through the roof’.
“It ate him up,” AJ explained. “He told me, ‘I’m just really not well’.” And he added:” “The same BBC leadership celebrating Steve publicly is the one that disregarded and undermined our work privately.”
A BBC spokesman said of the case: “We don’t comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”
Shortly after Steve’s death it was confirmed he had underwent a heart bypass 15 months before his death. According to Mark Wells, the former controller of ITV Entertainment, the broadcaster had undergone secret surgery before his passing and was ‘more ill than he let on.’
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