BBC radio presenter Janice Long dies aged 66: First regular female host of Top of the Pops died on Christmas Day after a 'short illness'

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BBC radio presenter Janice Long, who was the first regular female presenter on Top Of The Pops, has died at the age of 66.

During a 40-year career, she hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM.

Her agent Nigel Forsyth said Long died at home on Christmas Day following a short illness.

Long grew up in Liverpool, the older sister of late entertainer Keith Chegwin.

Long was an early supporter of future stars such as The Smiths, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Primal Scream, Adele, Amy Macdonald and Winehouse and was one of the main presenters of the Live Aid charity concert in 1985.

In his statement, Nigel added: 'Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.

'She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit. She will leave behind her husband Paul and two children, who she thought the world of.

'Janice loved the BBC and started her career as a station assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979, to complete it with the magnificent people at BBC Radio Wales.

'Janice wanted it known she was so thankful to the NHS and all who looked after her there.'

BBC radio presenter Janice Long has died aged 66 following a short illness, her agent said

During a 40-year career, LOng hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM. Pictured in 1985

During a 40-year career, Long hosted shows across flagship BBC stations including Radio 1, as well as the breakfast show on Greater London Radio and XFM. Pictured appearing on Lorraine in 2018

Long grew up in Liverpool, the older sister of late entertainer Keith Chegwin.

After working as cabin crew and in telesales, Long started her broadcasting career as a station assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside in Liverpool in 1979.

She became well known after joining Radio 1 in 1983, becoming the first female to have her own daily show on the station.

Long later became the first woman to be a regular presenter of Top of the Pops where she hosted the show for five years, and was one of the main presenters of the Live Aid concert in 1985.

Long grew up in Liverpool, and was the older sister of late entertainer Keith Chegwin (right)

Long pictured with her brother Keith Chegwin, who was also involved in radio as well as television presenting and acting

Siblings Long and Chegwin, who grew up in Liverpool, pictured together in 1982. Long was awarded the lifetime achievement award at The Liverpool Music Awards 

Long was an early supporter of future stars such as The Smiths, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Primal Scream, Adele, Amy Macdonald and Winehouse, and was awarded a BASCA gold badge of merit for her outstanding contribution to music - a forerunner of The Ivors Academy.

Since 2017, she had hosted the evening show on BBC Radio Wales.

She was one of the main presenters of the Live Aid charity concert in 1985 and had also been host of BBC Radio Wales, a role she took on in 2017. 

She was awarded the lifetime achievement award at The Liverpool Music Awards for her 'outstanding contribution to the music industry'.

BBC director general Tim Davie described Long as a 'stellar presenter' who was loved across the industry. Pictured, arriving at the Audio and Radio Industry Awards in 2018

Long (pictured in 1986) was the first woman to have her own daily radio show and was also the first woman to present Top of the Pops, which she did for five years

Figures from the worlds of music and broadcasting have paid tribute to the 'trailblazing' radio presenter.

BBC director-general Tim Davie said: 'Janice Long was a stellar presenter, who was loved and respected across the industry, and her passing is a huge loss to music, broadcasting and the BBC.

'Over 40 years she blazed a trail across Radio 1, Top Of The Pops, Radio 2 and 6 Music to name just a few, before building a wonderful show and loyal following on BBC Radio Wales. She will be missed by her fans, listeners and colleagues.

'All our thoughts are with them, Janice's family and her friends.'

Lorna Clarke, controller of pop music at the BBC, was among those paying tribute to Janice Long.

She said: 'Everyone in pop radio was saddened to hear of the passing of Janice Long.

'She was long admired for her role as a talent spotter and new music champion, giving Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Amy Winehouse their first radio sessions, as well as lighting the way for female radio and TV presenters throughout the industry.

'We send our deepest condolences to her family and friends at this sad time.'

Musician Midge Ure also shared a tribute to the former BBC radio presenter.

He said on Twitter: 'Dreadful news. Janice stood with us on the pitch at Wembley stadium as we announced Live Aid. A broadcast legend and absolute music lover.' 

Current Radio 1 DJ Adele Roberts added: 'RIP Janice Long. Thank you for everything you did to inspire others and open doors for other women and radio presenters to prosper.'

Long's agent Nigel Forsyth announced her death, saying: 'Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster'

TV host Vorderman echoed her comments, writing on Twitter: 'Rest In Music lovely vibrant trailblazer Janice Long. Janice is a huge star in our @BBCRadioWales tight knit family.

'As a woman in the industry, I truly admired her as the first woman ever to have a daily show on Radio One @BBCR1. We're in a state of disbelief to be honest.'

Merseyside band The Coral, who received early support from Long, said: 'Sad to hear the news about Janice Long passing.

'She was great to us and like the best broadcasters, talking to her was always easy, like catching up with a friend. RIP Janice.'

Hook said she was 'always a great friend and a great supporter of our music' and added: 'She was a lovely lady and a pleasure to be around. RIP.'

Burgess, from The Charlatans, praised Long for her support of fledgling bands.

He said on Twitter: 'Janice Long was a supporter and mentor for so many bands.

'To hear our records on her show was always the biggest thrill - her enthusiasm and love shone through. One of a kind. Safe travels, we'll miss ya.'

Veteran radio DJ Tony Blackburn also paid tribute, writing on Twitter: 'So sorry to hear the Janice Long has passed away.

'She was the sister of my great friend Keith Chegwin who passed away a few years ago now. On the few times I met her she was always fun to be with. RIP Janice.'

Rock band The Subways said they were 'truly devastated' to hear news of the death of 'the wonderful, beautiful, passionate Janice Long'.

'We first met her in 2004, and it remains one of our favourite interview experiences. Janice's love for everything, not just music, will always be felt,' they added.

Ian Broudie of the Lightning Seeds, who co-wrote football anthem Three Lions, added: 'So very sad to hear of the passing of my friend Janice Long, who will be greatly missed by everyone who knew her.'

Colin Paterson, head of BBC Radio Wales, told the BBC: 'As a radio presenter her programmes were never about herself.

'For Janice, her broadcasting career was an opportunity to discover, share and champion music.

'There are few people who have done more to nurture new talent from music and the arts.

'She brought her passion for music to Radio Wales in 2017, supporting Welsh artists and Welsh language music ever since.

'We'll miss her passion, her knowledge and her laugh.

'Our thoughts are with her many friends and her family who meant so much to her.'

A spokesperson for Greatest Hits Radio, who are planning to pay tribute to her in what would have been her next Saturday show, said: 'We're incredibly saddened to hear of the passing of Janice Long.

'Throughout her illustrious career, Janice played a significant role and contribution to broadcasting, most recently as an integral part of the Greatest Hits Radio line-up.

'She was one-of-a-kind and will be greatly missed by all of us and her treasured listeners. Our deepest condolences are with her family and loved ones at this time.'