UPDATE: |Former BBC Radio 2 DJ and Eurovision star dies at the age of 79 News

Tributes poured in from those who worked with and admired the broadcaster over the years

A former BBC Radio 2 DJ and Eurovision star has died at the age of 79 as tributes from his colleagues poured in.

Colin Berry was tasked with reading out the UK’s voting decision at the annual Eurovision Song Contest for 25 years until 2002.

Outside of this, he presented on BBC Radio 2 from the early 1970s to the early 90s, presenting several early and late-night shows.

Colin often filled in for the likes of the late Sir Terry Wogan, as well as being found on BBC Three Counties Radio from 2004 to 2019.

In terms of his TV credits, Colin presented long-running BBC music programme Top Of The Pops, and appeared on game show Blankety Blank, and on Going Live!.

Paying tribute to Colin, Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “All of us at Radio 2 were saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Berry, who was part of our on-air family for many years.

“We send our condolences to his family and friends.”

Prior to joining the BBC, Colin began his radio career on former pirate radio station Radio Caroline, gaining the experience that made him a household name.

The Night Ride, The Late Show, Music Through Midnight, The Early Show, Happy Hour and the Hogmanay Special, are just some of the shows he hosted before Radio 2 said he would be leaving permanently in 2012.

Writing on X, previously known as Twitter, Bauer Radio’s Luke Davies said: “Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Colin Berry. He was a real pioneer of broadcasting and had such a lovely relaxing voice.”

Former Radio 2 presenter Andrew Peach added: “I am very sad to hear news of Colin Berry’s passing.

“I have strong memories of hearing Colin on @bbcradio as a child and it was a thrill to get to work with him there from 1998-2012.”

Since Colin stopped reading the UK’s Eurovision results, a number of famous faces have been the British spokesperson, including Lorraine Kelly and actress Dame Joanna Lumley