BBC ‘radio legend’ dies following short cancer battle as co-stars pen heartfelt tributes to presenter
BBC star Peter Grant has died following a short battle with cancer, with tributes pouring in from devastated colleagues across the broadcasting industry.
The veteran presenter was a familiar voice on BBC Radio Newcastle and BBC Radio Tees, where he built a dedicated following among listeners.
Grant was also known for his television work, regularly appearing on BBC Look North breakfast show providing weather and travel updates.
His death was announced on Monday morning by long-time friend and colleague Simon Logan, who described him as a “radio legend” and praised his positive attitude throughout his illness.
The broadcaster had received his cancer diagnosis last year and maintained an optimistic outlook throughout his treatment.
Logan shared the news in an emotional Facebook post, paying tribute to his friend of 25 years.
“So very difficult to post that we have lost another radio legend and my great friend of 25 years,” he wrote.
“Peter Grant was a wonderful and talented person that was known for presenting radio and TV shows on many different platforms.”
The statement continued: “R.I.P Peter, you fought a brave battle and will always be remembered especially for being kind, generous and so positive all the time.”
Logan added: “Thanks for the laughs and the great times Peter, everyone who knew you will miss you always.”
He also shared a link to a previous radio conversation with Grant, noting that his “positive attitude which shines through is a leveller for all.”
Former BBC Radio Newcastle broadcaster Alfie Joey led the tributes, highlighting Grant’s unwavering positivity even during his illness.
“Peter Grant was great company and relentlessly positive. Even when he was given his cancer diagnosis last year he said he wasn’t going to dwell on the negatives,” Joey shared on Facebook.
Former Look North news reader Colin Briggs described Grant as a “proper pro at everything he did,” adding it was “dreadful, dreadful news.”
Radio Tees producer Anthony Day recalled his first experience working with Grant: “I did my first ever radio car live with Peter on Boxing Day 2013. I was very nervous but he put me at ease with his humour, fun and kindness.”
Mark Allison, known as ‘Run Geordie Run’, remembered Grant as “one of the kindest people I’ve ever met.”
Joey also expressed his condolences to Grant’s wife Sarah-Jane and family.
Grant’s broadcasting career spanned over four decades, beginning in 1982 when he started as a self-employed broadcaster.
LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:
Sir Rod Stewart, 80, sparks frenzy with Ronnie Wood birthday reunion as fans issue pleaNicholas Lyndhurst dealt huge blow as latest series away from Only Fools cancelled after two seasonsBrian Cox, 78, sparks fury with ‘patronising’ women voter remarks ahead of Trump inauguration
Very sad to hear about the passing of Peter Grant, an old pal from radio days at #BBCNewcastle @BBCNEandCumbria
Always positive, always friendly, always optimistic.
RIP pic.twitter.com/zGQNa4KrYM
— alfie joey (@alfiejoey) January 20, 2025
He worked across numerous commercial radio stations including Magic FM, Hallam FM, Durham FM, Plymouth Sound, Radio Aire and TFM.
His television work expanded beyond BBC Look North, with Grant also hosting shows for Made in Tyne and Wear.
From 2009, Grant took on presenting duties at the BBC, where he became a regular voice on Radio Newcastle and Radio Tees.
Graeme Pickering, who worked with Grant on the Magic 1170 breakfast show, remembered him as being “just as friendly and upbeat with folks off-air as he was on-air.”
His final role included providing weather and travel updates for BBC Look North’s breakfast programme.