Colin Berry, a beloved BBC Radio 2 presenter and Eurovision icon, has passed away at the age of 79. The news was confirmed on April 17, 2025, as tributes poured in for the man who was a fixture of British broadcasting for over three decades. Born in Hertfordshire in 1946, Berry began his media career in 1965 on the pirate radio station Radio Caroline, where he first made his mark in the industry.
Berry joined BBC Radio 2 in 1973 and quickly became known for his smooth voice and engaging presence. He hosted a variety of shows, including "Night Ride," "The Late Show," "Music Through Midnight," and "You & The Night & The Music." His versatility allowed him to cover for prominent presenters such as Sir Terry Wogan and Sir Jimmy Young during their absences. His tenure at Radio 2 lasted an impressive 33 years, and he continued to read the news on the station until 2012.
Perhaps most notably, Berry was the UK's Eurovision jury spokesperson from 1977 until 2002, a role he cherished deeply. During this time, he became a familiar face to Eurovision viewers, announcing the UK's voting results with enthusiasm and flair. The only years he did not serve in this role were 1980 and 1998, when Noel Edmonds and Ken Bruce took over, respectively. In 1994, Berry's role evolved as he began to appear on screen, thanks to advancements in technology that allowed Eurovision spokespersons to be contacted via satellite.
In 1997, the UK trialed a televote system, and Berry had the honor of announcing that the BBC had received over a quarter of a million votes during the brief voting window. His contributions to the Eurovision Song Contest were invaluable, and he was even on standby as a commentator, ready to step in if there were any issues with Terry Wogan’s feed back to the BBC. Fortunately, this backup was never needed, although there was a close call when the line went out just 30 seconds before a show.
Colin Berry's career was not limited to radio. He made numerous appearances on television shows, including "Top of The Pops," "Blankety Blank," and "Going Live!" His charm and wit endeared him to audiences across the UK. After leaving Radio 2, he continued to work in radio, presenting shows for BBC Three Counties Radio and even hosting a series called "A Little Light Music" until 2019.
His death has sparked an outpouring of condolences from colleagues and fans alike. Helen Thomas, head of BBC Radio 2, expressed her sadness, stating, "All of us at Radio 2 were saddened to hear of the passing of Colin Berry, who was part of our on-air family for many years. We send our condolences to his family and friends." Former colleague Andrew Peach shared his memories, saying, "I have strong memories of hearing Colin on @bbcradio2 as a child, and it was a thrill to get to work with him there from 1998-2012."
Colin Berry leaves behind a legacy of warmth and professionalism that will be remembered by many. His daughter, Marina, was also in the spotlight as a member of the girl group Miss Fitz, who competed in "Eurovision: Your Country Needs You" in 2010, although they did not progress past the first round.
As the broadcasting community mourns the loss of this iconic figure, fans remember him not just for his role in Eurovision, but for his significant contributions to British radio. His voice was a comforting presence for many, and his impact on the industry will not be forgotten.
Colin Berry’s journey from the early days of pirate radio to becoming a staple of BBC Radio 2 exemplifies a career dedicated to entertainment and information. His passion for music and broadcasting resonated with listeners, making him a cherished figure in the hearts of many. The Eurovoix team extends its heartfelt condolences to Colin's family and friends during this difficult time.
