‘It’s like a family bereavement’ says Sara Cox as she fights tears during emotional Morning Live tribute to Steve Wright

SARA Cox admitted that she felt like she had suffered a “family bereavement” as she shared a heartfelt tribute to Steve Wright.

It was announced yesterday that BBC Radio 2 legend Steve had died at the age of 69.

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Sara Cox paid a moving tribute to Steve Wright on Morning LiveCredit: BBC

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Steve Wright passed away at the age of 69

Sara originally broke the news live on air as she presented her afternoon programme on the station.

The popular star, 49, appeared on BBC Morning Live today to discuss Steve and his legacy as she opened up on how hard his passing had hit her.

Speaking to hosts Michelle Ackerley and Gethin Jones, Sara attempted to remain composed as she spoke emotionally about her friend.

Sara said: “We [BBC Radio 2] are like a family and I have to be honest with you, it feels like, to some extent, that we’ve had a family bereavement because we really have lost one of ours.

“At Radio 2, we are all really close and we all love Steve.”

Recalling her shock at the news, Sara added: “There was no build-up, there was no warning, we were all just really, really shocked.”

Her voice wavering she then said: “It’s so sad and we are all really gutted.”

Michelle went on to ask Sara how she felt responding to having to announce her close pal’s death live on air.

She said: “We had thousands and thousands of texts and we were just trying to plough through them.

“People used to listen to Steve when they were a child on the school run and they were still listening to him in the afternoon when they were on their way to pick up their own kids.

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“He’d been a big part of everybody’s lives for so long.”

During his career, the veteran DJ presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon and fronted Top of the Pops across his lengthy career.

Steve also presented the popular Sunday Love Songs mid-morning show on Radio 2.

His family said in a moving statement yesterday: “It is with deep sorrow and profound regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

“In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve leaves behind his brother, Laurence and his father Richard.

“Also, much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their daily lives as one of the UK’s most enduring and popular radio personalities.

“As we all grieve, the family requests privacy at this immensely difficult time.”

Steve’s last show was a pre-recorded Valentine’s Day edition of Sunday Love Songs.

He had been due to front a new BBC spin-off show as the broadcaster planned to launch four fresh stations.

Steve joined the BBC in the 1970s and spent four decades hosting his beloved afternoon shows.

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Steve had been a regular on the BBC since the 70sCredit: Alamy

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Sara spoke about Steve on the showCredit: BBC