Veteran broadcaster Sir Jimmy Young has died at the age of 95.
The long-serving DJ, who spent almost three decades at BBC Radio 2, died “peacefully at home” with his wife Alicia by his side on Monday afternoon, a family spokesman said.
Sir Jimmy was one of the original Radio 1 DJs at the station’s inception in 1967.
He moved to Radio 2 in 1973 and filled the early afternoon slot until he retired in December 2002.
Sir Jimmy had a successful music career before becoming established as a broadcaster, and famously interviewed each prime minister of the day during his time at the station, as well as many other leading world figures.
Before his retirement, he had been off air for several months after surgery but returned for his final fortnight.
The show in that timeslot is now presented by Jeremy Vine.
Ken Bruce, who hosts the popular morning show on Radio 2, shared his sadness tonight. He described Sir Jimmy as “one of the most able broadcasters I ever worked with”.
Tony Blackburn, who also worked with the popular radio host called him “a great broadcaster and a lovely man. RIP Jimmy”.
LBC radio presenter Iain Dale tweeted: “Much respect to Sir Jimmy Young who died today, aged 95. The word ‘legend’ is overused, but not in his case. A true icon of radio.”
The news of Sir Jimmy’s death comes 10 months after the loss of his great friend and former colleage Sir Terry Wogan, who passed away in January.