Annie Nightingale: Tributes paid following death of ‘original trailblazer’ and Radio 1’s first female DJ

Published

1 year ago

January 12, 2024

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Tributes have been paid to the “original trailblazer” and broadcast icon Annie Nightingale – Radio 1’s first female DJ – who has died aged 83.

Nightingale started presenting on Radio 1 in 1970 and became its longest-serving broadcaster, hosting her show Annie Nightingale presents… until late last year.

She was awarded an MBE in 2002 and a CBE in 2020. In 2004, she became the first female DJ from Radio 1 to be inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.

In a statement, Nightingale’s family said she died at home in London on Thursday, following a short illness, and hailed her for “breaking down doors” throughout her career.

Zoe Ball and Annie Mac, who have both presented Radio 1 shows, led tributes from colleagues and friends, with Ball describing her as “the original trailblazer for us women in radio”.

“She loved music like no other… and could out last any of us at the party,” she said.

“So grateful for all the love & support she offered me over the years. What a dame… rest well.”

Annie Mac, who hosted a variety of Radio 1 shows over 17 years, said Nightingale was a “trailblazer, spirited, adventurous, fearless, hilarious, smart, and so good at her job”.

Nightingale’s family described how she became a role model for generations of young women.

“Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally,” Nightingale’s family said.

“Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.

“Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test, or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll.”

‘Thanks to Annie, things will never be the same’

A celebration of Nightingale’s life will take place in the spring, they said.

Radio 1 shared a photo of the renowned DJ on social media, saying the station was “extremely saddened” about her death.

BBC director-general Tim Davie described her as “a uniquely gifted broadcaster who blessed us with her love of music and passion for journalism, for over 50 years”, as well as “a trailblazer for new music” and a “champion for female broadcasters, supporting and encouraging other women to enter the industry”.

Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones described Nightingale as “a world-class DJ, broadcaster and journalist”, who championed new music and new artists “throughout her entire career”.

He added: “We have lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same.”

Greg James, Zoe Ball, Jo Whiley and more pay tribute

Nightingale first broadcast on the BBC in 1963 as a panellist on Juke Box Jury, before joining Radio 1 seven years later.

She remained the station’s only female DJ until 1982, which saw the arrival of Janice Long, and is credited with helping to pave the way for the likes of Sara Cox, Jo Whiley and Ball.

Whiley described her as “the coolest woman who ever graced the airwaves”.

Sharing a black and white picture of the broadcaster in a radio studio on X, Whiley wrote: “She blazed a trail for us all and never compromised. Her passion for music never diminished.”

Over the years, Nightingale rubbed shoulders with stars including the late David Bowie and The Beatles, and was a guest on occasion at the band’s Apple Studios in London during the 1960s.

Her life and achievements “were so extraordinary you couldn’t possibly sum them up on here”, wrote Radio 1 breakfast show presenter Greg James on X.

“It was such a treat if you happened to be in the building at the same time as her,” he wrote. “She was always so interested in what everyone else was up to. We’re going to miss her so much. She was just absolutely amazing.”

Glastonbury Festival co-organiser Emily Eavis also joined the tributes, sharing on Instagram how the DJ helped her when she was younger.

“Goodbye dear Annie, a female trailblazer and true enthusiast,” she wrote. “Annie gave me so much support when I was in my twenties, I always felt so grateful to have such a strong woman encouraging me along the way and I’m sure she has done the same for many others like me.

“She was an inspiration to so many women in music, broadcasting and beyond and just a lovely human being.”

Nightingale had two children, Alex and Lucy, from her first marriage to writer Gordon Thomas.

Entertainment

George Wendt, who played Norm in Cheers, dies at age of 76

Published

2 hours ago

May 20, 2025

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George Wendt, who played Norm in Cheers, dies at age of 76

Actor George Wendt, who played Norm Peterson in the iconic sitcom Cheers, has died at the age of 76.

His family said he died early on Tuesday morning, peacefully in his sleep, according to publicity firm The Agency Group.

“George was a doting family man, a well-loved friend and confidant to all of those lucky enough to have known him. He will be missed forever,” the family said in a statement.

His character as an affable, beer-loving barfly in Cheers was watched by millions in the 1980s – earning him six consecutive Emmy nominations for best supporting actor.

The sitcom was based in a Boston bar “where everybody knows your name” – proved true given everyone would shout “Norm!” when he walked in.

Wendt appeared in all 273 episodes of Cheers – with his regular first line of “afternoon everybody” a firm fan favourite.

He was also a prominent presence on Broadway – appearing on stage in Art, Hairspray and Elf. Before rising to fame, he spent six years in Chicago’s renowned Second City improvisation troupe.

In an interview with GQ magazine, he revealed he didn’t have high hopes when he auditioned for the role that would catapult him to fame.

“My agent said: ‘It’s a small role, honey. It’s one line. Actually, it’s one word.’ The word was ‘beer.’

“I was having a hard time believing I was right for the role of ‘the guy who looked like he wanted a beer.’

“So I went in, and they said, ‘It’s too small a role. Why don’t you read this other one?’ And it was a guy who never left the bar.”

One of nine children, Wendt was born in Chicago and graduated with a degree in economics.

He married actress Bernadette Birkett in 1978, who voiced the character of Norm’s wife in Cheers but never appeared on screen. They have three children.

Wendt’s nephew is Jason Sudeikis, who played the lead role in Ted Lasso.

Entertainment

Sesame Street heading to Netflix after Trump cut PBS funding

Published

11 hours ago

May 20, 2025

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Sesame Street heading to Netflix after Trump cut PBS funding

Netflix and Sesame Street have agreed a deal that will bring the children’s show to the streaming platform’s wider audience after President Trump cut federal funding for the free-to-air TV network Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).

Later this year, new episodes will be shown on Netflix as well as PBS and the PBS Kids app on the same day.

Select past episodes will be available on Netflix worldwide. No specific start date has been announced.

It comes after Warner Bros Discovery decided last year not to renew its deal for new episodes on HBO and Max, though episodes will remain on there until 2027.

That was followed by Donald Trump issuing an executive order earlier this month to block federal funding to PBS and the National Public Radio (NPR) network, because he believes their coverage is biased.

For the show’s 56th season, the episodes will revolve around one 11-minute story, Netflix said.

It will feature more exploration of the Sesame Street neighbourhood and also give a look inside 123 Sesame Street, which houses Elmo, Bert and Ernie, and others.

Sesame Street said on X: “We are excited to announce that all new Sesame Street episodes are coming to @netflix worldwide along with library episodes, and new episodes will also release the same day on @PBS Stations and @PBSKIDS platforms in the US, preserving a 50+ year relationship.

“The support of Netflix, PBS, and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting serve as a unique public-private partnership to enable Sesame Street to continue to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder.”

Sesame Workshop said in a statement: “This unique public-private partnership will enable us to bring our research-based curriculum to young children around the world with Netflix’s global reach, while ensuring children in communities across the US continue to have free access on public television to the Sesame Street they love.”

Sesame Street has won more than 200 Emmys in addition to Peabody awards, as well as a Kennedy Centre Honour for lifetime artistic achievement.

Entertainment

‘I recognise the error and upset caused’ – Gary Lineker releases statement as BBC departure confirmed

Published

23 hours ago

May 20, 2025

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'I recognise the error and upset caused' - Gary Lineker releases statement as BBC departure confirmed

Gary Lineker has confirmed he is leaving the BBC after this season’s Match Of The Day and will no longer present its World Cup coverage.

It comes after the 64-year-old “apologised unreservedly” for sharing a social media post illustrated with a rat – which has been used to represent Jewish people in antisemitic propaganda, including Nazi Germany.

In a statement on Monday, Lineker said: “Football has been at the heart of my life for as long as I can remember – both on the pitch and in the studio.

“I care deeply about the game, and about the work I’ve done with the BBC over many years. As I’ve said, I would never consciously repost anything antisemitic – it goes against everything I stand for.

“However, I recognise the error and upset that I caused, and reiterate how sorry I am. Stepping back now feels like the responsible course of action.”

Analysis: BBC can breathe easier after Lineker leaves

Lineker said he deleted the post when he learned about the rat’s symbolism, adding he would “never knowingly share anything antisemitic”.

In a separate video posted to Instagram, the pundit added: “I’ve stood up for minorities and humanitarian issues and against all forms of racism all of my life, including, of course, antisemitism, which I absolutely abhor.

“There’s no place for it and never should be.”

He went on to thank the “brilliant, talented” people he has worked with and described his relationship with the BBC as “long and wonderful”.

He added: “But it’s the right time for the organisation and myself to go our separate ways.”

Lineker’s last appearance on the BBC will be on Sunday 25 May, the final day of the season.

What are the BBC guidelines on impartiality?

Gary Lineker signed a five-year deal with the BBC in 2020, under which he agreed to adhere to their impartiality rules.

The rules were then updated after his return to Match Of The Day in 2023.

The latest regulations say high-profile BBC presenters should be able to express their views on political issues as long as they stop short of campaigning.

It does not clarify what would constitute political campaigning for the big-name presenters.

The guidelines also stress the importance of “high standards of civility in public discourse”, which includes treating others with respect, even in the face of abuse and not using offensive or aggressive language.

The policy only applies to presenters outside of its news coverage. News presenters are still subject to stricter impartiality guidelines.

‘A defining voice in football coverage’

Also confirming Lineker’s exit, BBC director general Tim Davie said: “Gary has acknowledged the mistake he made. Accordingly, we have agreed he will step back from further presenting after this season.

“Gary has been a defining voice in football coverage for the BBC for over two decades. His passion and knowledge have shaped our sports journalism and earned him the respect of sports fans across the UK and beyond.

“We want to thank him for the contribution he has made.”

Alex Kay-Jelski, the BBC’s director of sport, said in an email sent to staff that it had been a “difficult” and “emotional” week.

He went on to say: “It is sad to be saying goodbye to such a brilliant broadcaster and I also want to thank Gary for his years of service. As ever, if you have questions, you know where I am.

“Let’s finish the season strongly with Gary’s final show, enjoy an incredible summer of sport and look forward with excitement to what lies ahead.”

Lineker announced in November he would step down from Match Of The Day this year, but was set to return to front the World Cup in 2026, as well as FA Cup coverage.

The former England star was temporarily suspended from the BBC in March 2023 after an impartiality row over comments he made criticising the then Conservative government’s asylum policy.

He will be replaced on Match Of The Day by Gabby Logan, Kelly Cates and Mark Chapman, who will share the presenting role from the next Premier League season.

Lineker has hosted Match Of The Day since 1999 and has been the BBC’s highest-paid on-air talent for seven consecutive years.

He joined the programme having started as a BBC Radio Five Live presenter, also working on the broadcaster’s former flagship sports show Grandstand during his early years in broadcasting.

The Leicester-born presenter is also the co-founder of podcast producing company Goalhanger, which makes the popular The Rest Is History series and its spin-offs about politics, football, entertainment and money.

His parting ways with the BBC also includes the licensing deal for Goalhanger podcast titles on BBC Sounds, which ends this year, the PA news agency reported.