Chris Moyles pays emotional tribute to close friend Steve Wright after legendary DJ's 'sudden death' aged 69

Chris Moyles has paid an emotional tribute to close friend Steve Wright as he reminisced about the pair's 'amazing memories' together.

Veteran BBC broadcaster Steve, one of Britain's best-known voices on air, died on Tuesday, February 13, aged 69.

Presenter Chris said he 'can't understand never speaking to Steve again' as he discussed his 'brilliant' and 'supportive' friend.

Chris said live on his own radio programme, The Chris Moyles Show on Radio

'He was a quirky man but a sweet, genuine sweetheart and he wasn't eccentric at all, he was so sharp and so smart.

Veteran BBC announcer Steve, one of Britain's best-known voices on air, died on Tuesday, February 13, aged 69 (photo 2003)

'He had thoughts about radio, television, music and art and was aware of everything. Knew what was on the charts, knew what the big movies were, the big TV shows, knew what everyone was doing on the radio, flipped through different things. You could talk to him about the industry.”

Chris went on to say he is 'very flattered' to have been part of the legendary DJs' lives and revealed how they became friends.

He said: 'I said to him I've got a job at Radio 1 and he said: “Oh yes, I've worked there” and I thought: “I'm very aware of this” and he said: “I think that that could be It'll be good for you but it's not what it used to be but you'll probably be the last big DJ on that station to have an impact” and I ended up doing his old time slot in the afternoon and I got there a rush of.

'We lost touch over the year, but in the early days at Radio

'He called me back and said, there was never an immediate hello, 'You want my job when I leave Radio 2' and I said, 'No', so he said, 'Okay, what do you want from me?'

'I told him none of us are getting any younger and I said I think you and I could be friends, and he said, 'I didn't expect that' and I took him out to dinner.

“He told me this is just for us and not for a show, so I never really told anyone about it, but we went to dinner and chatted on the phone.

“He was just wonderful, just brilliant, sweet and private, so I was very flattered that he would let me into his life a little bit.”

Presenter Chris said he 'can't understand never speaking to Steve again' as he discussed his 'brilliant' and 'supportive' friend

Chris admitted that he and Steve were “very different” characters, but said he was a “nice guy” and incredible at his job.

He continued: “He even made it onto this show when it was my 30 years in radio, he sent a message which I absolutely loved and there you go.

“Cheers Steve to everything, we lost you too soon and he left me with so many wonderful memories.

“He was an absolute professional, a gentleman, a nice, nice guy. He was a very positive guy, how he and I were doing, I have no idea [laughs]. We were very different.

'He was a great supporter. I listened to this show and knew everyone who worked on this show. Love him. I can't understand why I'll never talk to him again.'

Chris concluded his tribute to the BBC legend by playing his 'favourite song', Steve's theme tune for his radio programme.

'This is a bit strange; I'm going to play his favorite song, he would love it if I did this. I love you Steve'.

The shock announcement of Steve's death has left his colleagues heartbroken and prompted an outpouring of emotional tributes from stars including Sara Cox, Zoe Ball and Jo Whiley.

Steve was also the long-time presenter of Top Of The Pops on BBC One and presented the popular Sunday Love Songs weekend show on Radio 2 in the mid-morning.

His final show was a pre-recorded Valentine's Day edition of the program two days earlier. Steve told listeners on his final sign-off: “I'll be back next Sunday for more love songs, ta-da then.”

A statement shared by Steve's family read: 'It is with deep sadness and regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

'In addition to his son Tom and daughter Lucy, Steve is survived by his brother Laurence and his father Richard.

'Also beloved close friends and colleagues, and millions of devoted radio listeners who had the good fortune and great pleasure of allowing Steve into their everyday lives as one of Britain's most enduring and popular radio personalities.

“While we all grieve, the family requests privacy during this extremely difficult time.”

Steve's show on Radio 2 last Sunday was pre-recorded and it is believed there is another program 'in the can', although it is thought it will not be broadcast after his death.

Listen to The Chris Moyles Show from 6.40am – 10am on Radio

The legendary broadcaster presented Steve Wright in the Afternoon on Radio 1 for 12 years and on Radio 2 for a further 23 years. He is pictured in 1980