BBC radio presenter Janice Long dies aged 66 after a ‘short illness’

BBC radio presenter Janice Long, who was the first regular female presenter on Top Of The Pops, has died at the age of 66.

During a 40-year career, she hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM.

Her agent Nigel Forsyth said Long died at home on Christmas Day following a short illness.

His statement said: ‘Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.

‘She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit. She will leave behind her husband Paul and two children, who she thought the world of.

‘Janice loved the BBC and started her career as a station assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979, to complete it with the magnificent people at BBC Radio Wales.

‘Janice wanted it known she was so thankful to the NHS and all who looked after her there.’

BBC radio presenter Janice Long has died aged 66 following a short illness, her agent said

During a 40-year career, LOng hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM. Pictured in 1985

During a 40-year career, LOng hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM. Pictured in 1985

During a 40-year career, Long hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM. Pictured appearing on Lorraine in 2018

During a 40-year career, Long hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM. Pictured appearing on Lorraine in 2018

Long was the first woman to have her own daily radio show and was also the first woman to present Top of the Pops, which she did for five years. 

She was one of the main presenters of the Live Aid charity concert in 1985 and had also been host of BBC Radio Wales, a role she took on in 2017. 

She was awarded the lifetime achievement award at The Liverpool Music Awards for her ‘outstanding contribution to the music industry’ which included giving a first break to groups and artists, including The Smiths, Frankie Goes to Hollywood, Primal Scream, Amy Winehouse and Adele.

BBC director general Tim Davie described her as a ‘stellar presenter’ who was loved across the industry. 

Lorna Clarke, controller of pop music at the BBC, was among those paying tribute to Janice Long.

She said: ‘Everyone in pop radio was saddened to hear of the passing of Janice Long.

‘She was long admired for her role as a talent spotter and new music champion, giving Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Amy Winehouse their first radio sessions, as well as lighting the way for female radio and TV presenters throughout the industry.

‘We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.’

Musician Midge Ure also shared a tribute to the former BBC radio presenter.

He said on Twitter: ‘Dreadful news. Janice stood with us on the pitch at Wembley stadium as we announced Live Aid. A broadcast legend and absolute music lover.’ 

Current Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts added: ‘RIP Janice Long. Thank you for everything you did to inspire others and open doors for other women and radio presenters to prosper.’

BBC director general Tim Davie described Long as a 'stellar presenter' who was loved across the industry. Pictured, arriving at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards in 2018

BBC director general Tim Davie described Long as a ‘stellar presenter’ who was loved across the industry. Pictured, arriving at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards in 2018

Long (pictured in 1986) was the first woman to have her own daily radio show and was also the first woman to present Top of the Pops, which she did for five years

Long (pictured in 1986) was the first woman to have her own daily radio show and was also the first woman to present Top of the Pops, which she did for five years

Long's agent Nigel Forsyth announced her death, saying: 'Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster'

Long’s agent Nigel Forsyth announced her death, saying: ‘Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster’

Long was born in Liverpool and her brother Keith Chegwin, who died in 2017, was also a presenter.

Colin Paterson, head of BBC Radio Wales, told the BBC: ‘As a radio presenter her programmes were never about herself.

‘For Janice, her broadcasting career was an opportunity to discover, share and champion music.

‘There are few people who have done more to nurture new talent from music and the arts.

‘She brought her passion for music to Radio Wales in 2017, supporting Welsh artists and Welsh language music ever since.

‘We’ll miss her passion, her knowledge and her laugh.

‘Our thoughts are with her many friends and her family who meant so much to her.’

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-10345419/BBC-radio-presenter-Janice-Long-dies-aged-66-short-illness.html

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