BBC Radio 2 star and Eurovision legend Colin Berry’s will revealed with eye-watering sum left for wife after his death
BBC RADIO 2 star and Eurovision legend Colin Berry left behind an eye-watering sum for his wife in his newly revealed will.
Berry, who broke into broadcasting with pirate station Radio Caroline, died last month at the age of 79.
3
3
3
He had been a familiar voice on Radio 2 for decades, holding the place as the station’s longest-serving newsreader.
Now, it has been revealed that the star left behind a total of £260,000 to his wife Sandra in his will, which was published yesterday.
The will, which was made in 2015, stated his entire estate would go to his trustees.
This included his wife Sandra or, if she had not survived him, his daughter Marina and son Jonathan.
Read More on Celebrity Deaths
If all three had not survived him, Berry, who lived in Borehamwood, Hertfordshire, dictated that his fortune would go to sister-in-law Valerie.
Berry first joined Radio 2 in 1973, eventually working there for more than 30 years.
It was his beloved station which announced his death last month, stating: “The former Radio 2 newsreader Colin Berry has died at the age of 79.
“He joined the station in 1973 and covered for presenters including Sir Terry Wogan and Sir Jimmy Young.
“Colin Berry also had a 25-year stint as the UK’s Eurovision jury spokesperson including in 1997”.
Tributes poured in for the star following his death, including from another BBC Radio 2 newsreader, Clare Ruacres.
She said: “Sad to say a former colleague and fellow BBC Radio 2 newsreader Colin Berry has died aged 79.
“He also spent 25 years as the UK’s Eurovision jury spokesman.”
In response to Clare’s post, BBC News’ Senior Director Richard Murrell wrote: “I worked as a TO with Colin on many occasions in Con – another wonderful voice has left the Radio family.”
Radio presenter and event host Andrew Peach also paid an emotional tribute to Berry, and recalled the fond memories he had of hearing the DJ at a young age.
He wrote: “I am very sad to hear news of Colin Berry’s passing.
“I have strong memories of hearing Colin on BBC Radio 2 as a child and it was a thrill to get to work with him there from 1998-2012.”
‘A REAL PIONEER OF BROADCASTING’
Countless other organisations and people paid tribute to the veteran star.
Bauer Media scheduler Luke Davies posted on X: “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.
“This is BBC London calling, Sleep Tight Colin.”
Jon Kutner posted: “So sad to learn of the loss of my friend and colleague and former Radio 2 newsreader and voice of Eurovision Colin Berry.
“We always had some great conversations when we managed to catch up. My thoughts are with his family. Farewell my friend. RIP”
He was known for being the UK’s Eurovision Song Contest jury spokesman for many years.
The broadcaster held this for role for almost every edition between 1977 and 2002.
As a presenter he was also known for appearances on The Generation Game, Blankety Blank and Bargain Hunt.
His last radio bulletin was at 3am on September 8, 2012, after Radio 2 changed to journalists reading the summaries.
Berry also presented a weekly show for BBC Local Radio on Saturday mornings, and covered Richard Spendlove’s music and phone-in show.
