Dave Llewellyn, a BBC radio presenter known for his traffic and travel updates and distinctive on-air voice, has died at the age of 57 following a short illness, with his daughter leading tributes describing him as “incredibly modest and generous”.
A BBC radio star has has died at the age of 57 following a short illness, his family has confirmed.
BBC Radio Tees presenter Dave Llewellyn, known for his trademark red hair and warm personality, spent more than two decades delivering traffic and travel updates across the North East, reports the Mirror.
The popular broadcaster first began his career as the “eye in the sky”, reporting from a light aircraft flying above Teesside.
Originally from Fishburn in County Durham, Dave later settled in Yarm with his wife Ange and daughter Amy. Away from radio, he was deeply passionate about music and spent years performing and producing.
Paying tribute online, his daughter Amy described him as an “incredibly modest and generous” man who always had time for others.
She said: “Outside of his work he loved his family and his music. His true talent shone through while he was playing his keyboards, synthesisers and bass.
“He was the most loving father and husband, always going out of his way to make us happy. He will be sadly missed by everyone who knew him, especially our beloved dog Cupid who always saw a taste of his generosity, usually in the form of a shared sausage sandwich.”
Alongside presenting travel bulletins, Dave worked as a producer at BBC Radio Tees for the past six years and most recently contributed to Gary Philipson’s daytime show. His voice became familiar to listeners across the region through regular traffic reports broadcast from the BBC studios in Middlesbrough.
He also co-hosted a Sunday morning gardening programme with Brigid Press.
BBC Radio Tees colleagues paid emotional tributes during Friday’s broadcasts. Presenter Amy Oakden said the station would “never ever forget his iconic voice”, adding: “He was just so kind and lovely. He was a legend.”
Producer Sarah Robinson remembered him as a cheerful presence in the office, joking about his “terrible shirts” and “awful coffee” before adding that he was “relentlessly cheerful and positive”.
Listeners also shared tributes, with many describing Dave as friendly, funny and kind-hearted.
One wrote: “Every time you rang in he was great craic — what a lovely guy.”
Volunteer organisation Bloodrun EVS, which transports blood supplies between hospitals, also paid tribute, describing him as “a comforting voice to many”.
In a statement, the group said: “Thank you for your service. RIP Dave. Our condolences and thoughts are with Dave’s family and colleagues at this difficult time.”
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