BBC Radio star Colin Berry leaves staggering six-figure fortune to beloved wife after death aged 79
Former BBC Radio 2 presenter Colin Berry left his entire £260,000 estate to his wife Sandra following his death aged 79 in April.
The will, made in 2015, reveals the financial legacy of the broadcaster who worked at the BBC for over 30 years.
Berry directed that his fortune should be handed to his trustees – his wife Sandra, or, had she not survived him, his daughter Marina and son Jonathan.
Should all three have predeceased him, Berry wished the inheritance to go to his sister-in-law Valerie.
The broadcaster, who lived in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, had suffered from dementia before his death.
Born in Hertfordshire, Berry first joined the radio world in 1965, newsreading and presenting sponsored programmes on pirate station Radio Caroline.
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He first worked for the BBC in 1969, hosting a weekly programme for BBC Radio Medway.
Berry joined Radio 2 permanently in 1973, working across both Radio 2 and Radio 1.
He continued reading the news on Radio 2 as a freelancer until September 2012, becoming the station’s longest-serving newsreader.
Beyond radio, Berry appeared on television shows including The Generation Game, Top Of The Pops, Blankety-Blank, Going Live and Celebrity Supermarket Sweep.
He was last heard on air in 2017, covering for Richard Spendlove’s music and phone-in show on BBC local radio.
Berry served as the UK’s Eurovision jury spokesperson for 25 years, including in 1997.
The station announced his death, saying he “joined the station in 1973 and covered for presenters including Sir Terry Wogan and Sir Jimmy Young.”
Berry was among several big names who left the station in 2012 when the BBC was forced to make budget cuts.
The broadcaster reduced its radio staff as part of the Delivering Quality First initiative, which required most departments to make savings of 20 per cent.
Former colleagues and fans were quick to pay tribute, praising Berry as a “pioneer of broadcasting”. Bauer Radio’s Luke Davies said: “Extremely sad to hear the passing of Colin Berry.
“He was a Real Pioneer of Broadcasting and had such a Lovely relaxing voice. He was also a true Gentleman and was very kind when I interviewed him in 2019.”
Radio host Tony Fisher added: “Very sad to hear that the broadcaster Colin Berry has passed away. He was such a warm radio host and the voice of a British wireless generation.”
Broadcaster Andrew Peach commented: “I am very sad to hear news of Colin Berry’s passing. 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.”