BBC Radio 2 DJ Chris Stuart has passed away aged 73-years-old. His death was confirmed when tributes to the broadcasting legend began pouring in from former colleagues, he once shared the booth with.
The BBC star was one of the first hosts on BBC Radio Wales, and as well as being a daily presenter on BBC Radio 2, he also set up a Channel 4 production company behind quiz show Only Connect as well as Late Night Poker.
He also hosted the science quiz Inspiration on Radio 4.
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Victoria Coren Michell, who presents Only Connect, told the BBC: "Everyone is devastated by the loss of Chris Stuart, our brilliant colleague."
"Joyful and lovely and wise and insightful, and a talented broadcaster himself, which listeners to Radio Wales will remember. Most of all he was our beloved, treasured, friend, and we're heartbroken," she added.
The Mirror reports that tributes to the late broadcaster, who's cause of death is yet to be determined, continued to pour in from adoring colleagues from his years on air. BBC Cymru Wales director Rhuanedd Richards said: "Chris used his intelligence, curiosity and engaging personality to brilliant effect.
"He was instrumental in ensuring the success of Radio Wales in its early days and became one of its defining and most recognised voices. He could engage with any topic and find the right words for the big occasions," she added.
Born in Durham, Chris moved around several times as a child. He was raised in Birstall, Leicestershire from the age of seven. He went on to study at New College in Oxford before later moving to wales to undertake a journalism training programme in Cardiff.
He joined BBC Radio Wales in 1978, shortly after its initial creation, hosting breakfast news and entertainment programmes consistently for nine years. He later moved to the capital of England, where he presented on BBC Radio 2 and Radio 4.
Chris was the Westminster Abbey commentator across the BBC network, covering the funeral services for Princess Diana and the Queen Mother. He would then later set up his own production company with his wife Megan in 1993 - broadcasting a number of major events from Cardiff's Principality stadium and even the Sydney Opera House.
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