TV and radio presenter Mike Smith dies, aged 59

TV and radio presenter Mike Smith has passed away at the age of 59.

Smith, who hosted the Radio 1 Breakfast Show was 1986 to 1988, died on Friday (August 1) from complications following major heart surgery.

During his career, he hosted various other shows on Radio 1 and also served as a DJ on London’s Capital Radio for several years. The late Diana, Princess of Wales once declared him her favourite DJ.

His TV work included a stint co-hosting The Late, Late Breakfast Show on BBC1 alongside Noel Edmonds and presenting the primetime BBC1 quiz show That’s Showbusiness, which ran from 1989 to 1996. He also helped to found Comic Relief and appeared on several of its broadcasts.

He married fellow TV presenter Sarah Greene in 1989 and the couple were recently seen together on an episode of BBC1’s Pointless in 2012.

Following news of his passing, Noel Edmonds released a statement paying tribute to Smith, saying: “He was so much more than simply a presenter. Mike was that rare individual – the consummate broadcaster in an era when professionalism, dedication and hard work were truly valued.”

Meanwhile, the BBC also paid tribute to Smith, saying in a statement: “We are saddened to hear of Mike’s passing. He was a talented presenter and a brilliant Radio 1 Breakfast Show host, and our thoughts are with his family.”

Smith is survived by his wife of 25 years, Sarah Greene.

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