Former Radio 2 DJ and Eurovision UK spokesman Colin Berry dies at 79
He spent 25 years as the man who read out the UK’s voting decision at the Eurovision Song Contest, until 2002.
Berry, who joined Radio 2 in 1973, also presented long-running BBC music programme Top Of The Pops, and appeared on game show Blankety Blank, and on Going Live!.
Helen Thomas, head of Radio 2, said: “All of us at Radio 2 were saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Berry, who was part of our on-air family for many years. We send our condolences to his family and friends.”
Berry, who started on former pirate radio station Radio Caroline, presented a host of Radio 2 shows.
He was a presenter of Night Ride, The Late Show, Music Through Midnight, The Early Show, Happy Hour and the Hogmanay Special, before Radio 2 said he would be leaving in 2012.
Writing on X, Bauer Radio’s Luke Davies said: “Extremely sad to hear of the passing of Colin Berry. He was a real pioneer of broadcasting and had such a lovely relaxing voice.”
Former Radio 2 presenter Andrew Peach said: “I am very sad to hear news of Colin Berry’s passing. I have strong memories of hearing Colin on @bbcradio as a child and it was a thrill to get to work with him there from 1998-2012.”
Berry worked often with late Radio 2 DJ and BBC Eurovision presenter Sir Terry Wogan.
Following his exit from Eurovision, a rotating cast of famous faces including chat show host Lorraine Kelly and actress Dame Joanna Lumley have been the British spokesperson.
The Welwyn Garden City-born radio DJ also presented for BBC Three Counties and former BBC Radio Medway and did voiceover work.