'SHABBY' BEEB BLASTED Steve Wright was ‘dumped by BBC & treated like a tin of beans’ before his death, blasts radio legend Liz Kershaw

 Liz Kershaw has criticized the BBC over its treatment of radio legend Steve Wright.

The veteran DJ, who presented Steve Wright in the afternoons and fronted Top of the Pops, died this week aged 69.

Wright was dropped from his afternoon show slot in 2022.

Speaking about the shocking move, the DJ said at the time: “Sometimes people want you, sometimes they don't.

"Sometimes there are changes and they make you another offer – and that's OK. I understand that, I really understand that."

But now Liz Kershaw has criticized the BBC for its 'poor' treatment of Steve on This Morning.

Speaking on GB News he said: “The new management said we were going to refresh the schedule – and they treat people like cans of beans on the shelf.

“I doubt there was any follow-up for him, or any pastoral care, or any support.

“He didn’t need the money because he was one of the highest paid people on the plane.

“But, you know, I wonder if he considered what effect it had on him.

"There are some people for whom fame and attention are their oxygen. And he was one of them; it was absolutely his life."

The Sun has contacted the BBC for comment.

Wright's family revealed his death to the world yesterday.

His grieving loved ones said: “It is with deep sadness and deep regret that we announce the passing of our beloved Steve Wright.

“In addition to his son, Tom, and daughter, Lucy, Steve is survived by his brother, Laurence, and his father, Richard.

“Also, the much-loved close friends and colleagues, and millions of dedicated radio listeners, who have had the privilege and great pleasure of including Steve in their daily lives as one of the UK's most enduring and popular radio personalities.

"As we all mourn, the family requests privacy at this extremely difficult time."

He was due to present a new BBC spin-off show as the broadcaster planned to launch four new stations.

Steve joined the BBC in the 1970s and spent four decades hosting his favorite afternoon show.

She said: “It's really hard to know what to say about the news of Steve Wright's passing except that we are all shocked, devastated and heartbroken by this news.

“Steve was an extraordinary broadcaster, a really kind person, he was funny, he was warm, and he was a huge, huge part of the Radio 2 family, and I know my fellow DJs will absolutely too. Will be scattered."

Zoe Ball said: "Wrighty. Our radio friend, our inspiration, master of broadcasting, godfather, always there for us all with support, advice, love and most importantly laughter, you are an amazingly magical man.

"Life won't be the same without you here, love you, my friend, my hero."

Joe Whitey wrote: "What a man. What a legend.

“The broadcaster's broadcaster.

“One of the kindest, sweetest people I have had the pleasure of working with.

“Thank you for the support and music chat over the years.

"Can't believe we won't get to see the inside of the MV for our weekly show. Love you Wrighty."

Chris Evans, who was also a stalwart on Radio 1 and 2 for many years before joining Virgin Radio, said that Wright was to go in the afternoon and Sir Terry Wogan was to do breakfast.

Wake Up to Wogan ran from 1993 to 2009 on Radio 2 and was the most listened to radio show in the UK.

"Oh my God. What such sad news," Evans wrote on Instagram.

“It goes without saying that Steve was the soundtrack to millions of our afternoons over the decades.

“No one will ever come close to the length and breadth of the way he covered all things entertainment in his most original and light-hearted style.

"Just as Sir Terry was due to have breakfast, he was due to leave in the afternoon."

Steve was last seen four weeks ago in New York with friend Anthony James.

The musician posted the photo to X, captioning it: “I can't sleep.

"I'm thinking about my dear friend Steve. We took this photo 4 weeks ago in New York.]

"We were trying to do, as he called it, an 'ironic selfie.' He loved life and radio so much..

"He told me 'AJ, the blonde hair needs to be removed!' I miss her."