BBC radio presenter Stephen Clements has died at the age of 47.
The broadcaster had presented The Stephen Clements Show on the BBC Radio Ulster station since September last year and at the time, he said it was always a “dream” for him to work for the BBC.
The devastating news was announced by the BBC on the lunchtime news on Tuesday and his 10am programme was presented by Steven Rainey.
View this post on InstagramThe fake smile of someone who has to swim in this later today #openforsummer @bbcni
BBC Northern Ireland Director Peter Johnston said: “We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements.
“Our thoughts are with Stephen’s family, friends and colleagues, at this difficult time.”
Stephen’s cause of death has yet to be revealed.
We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements.
He is survived by his wife and two children.
Tributes have poured in on social media, with many people who were close to Stephen expressing their heartbreak.
One of his colleagues Sara Neill wrote on Twitter: “My heart is so sad. A friend, a radio husband, and the man who taught me so much about broadcasting.”
My heart is so sad. A friend, a radio husband, and the man who taught me so much about broadcasting. 💔 https://t.co/RaiIOowzIp
— Sara Neill (@ImSaraNeill) January 7, 2020
Q Radio News tweeted: “We are heartbroken today to learn that our former Q Radio Breakfast show host, colleague and friend Stephen Clements has died suddenly at the age of 47.”
Another of Stephen’s colleagues, Stephen Watson, added: “Stunned to hear the dreadful news about my friend and colleague Stephen Clements. My thoughts are with his family circle.”
We are heartbroken today to learn that our former Q Radio Breakfast show host, colleague and friend Stephen Clements has died suddenly at the age of 47 💔 pic.twitter.com/eUWmG0ZOLj
— Q Radio News (@qnewsdesk) January 7, 2020
Stunned to hear the dreadful news about my friend and colleague Stephen Clements. My thoughts are with his family circle.
— Stephen Watson (@winkerwatson1) January 7, 2020
Others shared their tributes.
So so saddened to hear of the passing of Stephen Clements. A true gentleman and incredibly talented broadcaster. A tragic loss 😢
— Paula Bradshaw MLA (@PaulaJaneB) January 7, 2020
RIP @radiostephen (Stephen Clements), absolutely terrible news. Enjoyed listening to him and Kate every morning on @goQradio . Always upbeat and happy. Thoughts go out to his family and young kids Poppy & Robbie at this sad time 💔
— Jonny McK 🔰 (@JMcKeever7) January 7, 2020
Absolutely devastated by news of Stephen Clements sudden passing.
Stephen was a truly wonderful person & unbelievable broadcaster.
I am just in total shock.
My heart goes out to his wife and lovely children at this heartbreaking time 😔 #RIPStephen #Legend #Heartbroken 💔
— John Stewart MLA (@JohnStewart1983) January 7, 2020
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Stephen began his career at Q Radio in 2010 and in June last year, he announced that he was leaving the station to join BBC Northern Ireland.
He co-hosted BBC Northern Ireland’s Children in Need programme in November last year.
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