Renowned BBC Radio 2 DJ Colin Berry has passed away at the age of 79, sparking an outpouring of tributes for his three-decade-long career at the BBC. Berry, who joined the station in 1973, covered esteemed presenters such as Sir Terry Wogan and Sir Jimmy Young. Notably, he served as the UK’s Eurovision jury spokesperson for 25 years, including in 1997.
Colin Berry’s former colleague, BBC Radio 2 newsreader Clare Runacres, expressed her condolences, highlighting Berry’s significant contributions. Beginning his radio journey on Radio Caroline in 1965, Berry transitioned to various roles, including working at Yorkshire Television and as a club DJ. His career at the BBC spanned from 1973 to 2006, encompassing a multitude of shows such as Night Ride, The Late Show, and the Eurovision broadcasts.
Berry’s close association with Eurovision led him to be the UK spokesperson from 1977 to 2002, a role he executed with finesse. Beyond radio, Berry also made appearances on TV shows like The Generation Game and Blankety Blank. Even after his departure from BBC Radio 2 in 2012, Berry remained active in radio, hosting programs until 2019.
Following the news of his passing, heartfelt tributes flooded in from colleagues and fans alike, praising Berry’s warm demeanor and distinctive broadcasting style. His legacy as a pioneering broadcaster and beloved voice in British radio will be cherished by many.