Popular OAP Annie Nightingale have died according to the BBC where she spent most of her career, at age 83 following a brief illness.
Nightingale, who joined BBC Radio 1 in 1970, made history as the station’s first female presenter and held the title of its longest-serving host. Her family described her as a “pioneer, trailblazer, and an inspiration to many.”
The statement highlighted Nightingale’s dedication to sharing her enthusiasm for music, spanning six decades on BBC TV and radio globally. A memorial service to honor her life is planned for the spring.
Nightingale’s impact extended beyond the airwaves; she was the first woman to present the BBC’s “Old Grey Whistle Test” music show and authored two autobiographical books. In 2021, BBC Radio 1 introduced a scholarship in her name for female and non-binary dance music DJs.
Despite her illustrious career, Nightingale remained humble, earning a CBE in 2019 for her services to radio. Tributes from fellow broadcasters poured in, with Radio 1 DJ Danny Howard describing her as an “all-time radio great.”
