BBC Radio's Phil Taylor tragically passes away aged 62 just 18 months after retiring from the airwaves as heartbroken fans pay tribute

BBC Radio's Phil Taylor has tragically died aged 62 it has been announced.

The broadcaster who worked from Radio Jersey for a whopping 35 years, retired from the airwaves just 18-months ago.

Phil is best known to listeners for hosting Sunday show, By Special Request, as well as behind-the-scenes on the station's election and sports coverage. 

Paying tribute BBC Jersey executive producer Matthew Price said: 'Phil considered it a privilege to be allowed into someone's home via the radio, and it was that special connection with islanders which also brought a special audience warmth to Saturday morning for many many years where he enjoyed record audience figures'.

'When Phil finally retired from the BBC and stepped back form the mic, it was his characteristic and humour which shone through when he said goodbye and thanked his listeners for allowing him into their homes'.

Following the announcement heartbroken fans rushed to social media to honour the late great radio host.

They penned: 'Ah, deeply sad to read this. A lovely, kind man and dedicated broadcaster. Sending thoughts to Jo & family': 'Very sad news.': 'Very sad May he RIP condolences to all his family and friends': 'RIP Phil. You'll be missed'.

He first joined BBC Radio Jersey in 1991 as one of the Sunday morning request show's rota of hosts, which was also broadcast by hospital radio. 

Following changes post-Covid he began to work more behind the scenes and helped training radio reporters and presenters.

Upon his retirement in July 2024 he told followers: 'It is a privilege that I never took for granted, ever. Until next we meet, wherever, whenever, please be kind, tolerant, understanding and accepting of each other. Thank you. Phil Taylor Retired BBC Radio Jersey presenter,'. 

Earlier this week fellow broadcaster and BBC Radio Cumbria presenter Richard Nankivell died age 75 after a short illness. 

The broadcaster joined the station in 1992 and remained until his retirement in 2015. 

In an update shared to Radio Cumbria's Facebook, they shared the sad news alongside a heartfelt tribute. 

It read: 'We are very sad to announce the death of one of BBC Radio Cumbria’s best-known presenters, Richard Nankivell, who has died aged 75 after a short illness. 

'He will be remembered fondly by listeners across Cumbria and beyond.' 

Richard, who was born in North Devon, trained as a livestock auctioneer before starting his broadcasting career with The British Forces Broadcasting Service in 1972.

He worked overseas in Cyprus, Gibraltar, Germany, Belize, The Falklands and the Gulf, presenting and producing programmes for 20 years, before moving back to the UK. 

Radio Cumbria's executive editor Chris Rick told the BBC: 'Richard's humour and brilliant understanding of radio made his shows very popular in Cumbria. 

'Richard, or Nanks as we all called him, was a much-loved colleague who was as funny and entertaining off air as he was on the radio. 

'Even though he retired over 10 years ago, he was still talked about fondly by the BBC Cumbria team with stories about the big personality that he was.'

He is survived by his wife Heather Wainwright, who is Radio Cumbria's breakfast newsreader. 

Sharing their condolences and fond memories of Richards fans commented on BBC Radio Cumbria's Facebook:  'Absolute legend, I loved listening to his show on Radio Cumbria when I worked a night shift'; 

'An amazing presenter. Unique and just knew how to create brilliant radio. He was also a lovely man. He’s left us with so many wonderful memories. Thank you Nanks'; 

'Such a distinctive voice on the Cumbrian airwaves, funny, clever fella, Rest in peace Nanks.'