Brian Matthew, the veteran broadcaster who hosted Sounds of the 60s on BBC Radio 2, has died at the age of 88.
His death follows the announcement in January that he was stepping down from the programme because of ill health.
“Our beloved Brian Matthew passed away last night,” his family said in a statement. “We ask that our privacy is respected at this time.”
Matthew presented his last full show last November, returning in February for a final compilation programme.
He had presented the show since April 1990.
“Brian was one of this country’s most popular and best loved presenters, delighting millions of listeners with his memories and favourite tunes on Sounds of the 60s for 27 years,” said Lewis Carnie, head of Radio 2.
“On behalf of everyone at Radio 2, we send love and our best wishes to his family at this difficult time.”
Bob Shennan, the BBC’s director of radio and music and a former Radio 2 Controller, described Matthew as “a radio legend” who would be “sorely missed”.
“For decades, his voice was the sound of Saturday mornings, giving pleasure to listeners on Sounds of the 60s with his wit and warmth.”
Radio 2 will broadcast a special tribute programme on Friday at 1900 BST that will look back over Matthew’s career.
Matthew started broadcasting in Germany in 1948 and trained as an actor at Radad before joining the BBC in 1954.
He was one of the first DJs on Radio 2, hosting shows such as Saturday Club, Thank Your Lucky Stars and the the long-running Round Midnight programme.
In 1990 he received a Broadcasting Press Guild award for his outstanding contribution to radio.
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