BBC Radio 1’s longest-serving DJ Annie Nightingale has died.
The 83-year-old broadcaster - who was the station's first female presenter - passed away on Thursday (11.01.24) at her home in London following a short illness, according to a statement released by her family.
It added: "Annie was a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many. Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally.
"Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.
"Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show 'The Old Grey Whistle Test', or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock 'n' roll."
The BBC's Director-General Tim Davie said: "I’m deeply saddened by Annie’s passing and our thoughts are with her family, many friends and the whole of Radio 1.
"Annie was a uniquely gifted broadcaster who blessed us with her love of music and passion for journalism, for over 50 years. As well as being a trailblazer for new music, she was a champion for female broadcasters, supporting and encouraging other women to enter the industry. We will all miss her terribly."
Aled Haydn Jones, Head of BBC Radio 1, added: "All of us at Radio 1 are devastated to lose Annie, our thoughts are with her family and friends.
"Annie was a world class DJ, broadcaster and journalist, and throughout her entire career was a champion of new music and new artists. She was the first female DJ on Radio 1 and over her 50 years on the station was a pioneer for women in the industry and in dance music.
"We have lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same."
Annie joined BBC Radio 1 in 1970 and remained a part of station for the rest of her career - making her the holder of the world record for the longest serving female radio presenter.
She is best known for her show 'Annie Nightingale Presents' which was last broadcast on January 9.
Before joining the BBC station, she made a name for herself in TV hosting music show 'That’s for Me' while also working in newspapers and in the modelling industry.
She started at Radio 1 in an afternoon slot before moving to early evenings while she also hosted other shows for the station and presented 'The Old Grey Whistle Test.
In her 2020 memoir 'Hey Hi Hello: Five Decades of Pop Culture From Britain’s First Female DJ', Annie wrote of her career radio: "I wasn’t there for the ‘exposure’. I preferred the evenings, where I wouldn’t have to introduce playlist tunes I didn’t like. That would have been like lying to me."
Annie was awarded an OBE for services to radio broadcasting in 2002.
