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BBC Presenter Richard Cartridge Dies After Short Illness

By Modupeoluwa Adekanye

22 August 2020   |   4:52 pm

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BBC presenter Richard Cartridge has died after a short illness. The 72-year-old left his job at BBC Radio Solent, the local station for Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, just a few weeks ago. The sad news was confirmed by the station, who posted on Twitter: We are deeply sad to announce that our…

BBC presenter Richard Cartridge has died after a short illness. The 72-year-old left his job at BBC Radio Solent, the local station for Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, just a few weeks ago.

The sad news was confirmed by the station, who posted on Twitter:

We are deeply sad to announce that our dear friend Richard Cartridge has passed away following a short illness. Richard entertained the south on-air for over 46 years. Thank you Rich.

Richard had joined the station in 1972 and was one of its best-loved presenters.

The show’s breakfast presenter Louisa Hannan also paid tribute. She tweeted:

The saddest news. Rich, you were a complete gentleman. Proud to have known and worked with you. You will be so greatly missed. x

The station also shared a behind the scenes video of Richard at work. They wrote:

Richard Cartridge first joined BBC Radio Solent in 1972 An iconic voice across the South. Here he gave us a behind the scenes look of his show in 2015.

During his career, Richard also worked for Classic FM and Bournemouth-based 2CR FM, as well as writing a column for the Southern Daily Echo.

He was one of Radio Solent’s longest-serving presenters and a huge favourite among listeners.

Richard, who retired in June, referred to the station as his “spiritual home”. The star suffered a huge tragedy in 2005 when his son James was found dead outside of his Dorset home according to The Mirror.

He had just returned home from work and his body was discovered lying at the bottom of the steps leading up to his flat.

Richard had another two children with his first wife Carol, and two younger children with his second wife, TV presenter Jane Wyatt, who he later split from.

The star briefly left Radio Solent in 2010 following a cull of presenters but he was reinstated after a petition demanding his return.