By Tom Bryant
Steve Wright was in talks to host a new BBC TV show shortly before he died.
Simon Margaroli, 58, spoke to the DJ two weeks ago when he stayed at the hotel he manages. Mr Margaroli said: “He talked of an imminent meeting with a lady from the BBC regarding a new TV series that he was hoping to be involved with, which he was very excited about.
“He said that was about people such as airline stewardesses or restaurant managers, chambermaids, and traffic wardens all spilling the beans about their lives – basically the people we all see every day but never hear their stories.”
The radio legend was found dead at his London flat on Monday, aged 69. His cause of death is not known but the sudden death of BBC radio presenter is being treated as 'unexpected', but not suspicious, according to the police.
Emergency services were rushed to the BBC Radio DJ's home in Marylebone, London on Monday, just after 10am. Steve was pronounced dead at the scene and the police have confirmed his "unexpected" death is not being treated as suspicious.
A spokesperson for the Metropolitan Police said: "A man in his 60s was pronounced dead at the scene. His next of kin have been informed. The death was unexpected, but is not being treated as suspicious. A report will be prepared for the coroner." London Ambulance Service confirmed they were called to the address following "reports of an incident". Despite their efforts, Steve was sadly pronounced dead at the scene.
Following his death, tributes soon flooded in for the legendary radio presenter from his BBC colleagues to close friends and adoring listeners. Steve held his much-loved BBC Radio 2 slot from 1999 until 2022 when it was taken over by Scott Mills.
Some suggested he was heartbroken at his Radio 2 afternoon show being axed in 2022 but Mr Margaroli, who runs the Ardington Hotel in Worthing, West Sussex, said Steve seemed happy. He said after people in the hotel spoke to the DJ: “He was very charming and engaging.”
At the time of his axe, Steve hinted that it wasn't his decision to end the show, as following his death some friends have shared how the loss of his show "devastated" him. Steve had reportedly spoken to BBC Radio bosses in recent days about his health. He last appeared on air on Sunday for a pre-recorded Valentines Day special, just two days before his death was announced.
The Beeb is this weekend airing a series of specials in his honour. A special commission celebrating his BBC career will be shown later this year.
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