Veteran Radio 2 DJ Johnnie Walker dies aged 79

Radio presenter Johnnie Walker has died aged 79

He only stepped back from his career two months ago due to ill health.

He suffered from pulmonary fibrosis, which is a condition that makes breathing difficult due to scarring of the lungs.

His death was announced live on air by DJ Bob Harris, who took over Walker's role as presenter of Sounds of the 70s.

Helen Thomas, head of BBC Radio 2, said in a statement: "Everyone at Radio 2 is heartbroken about the passing of Johnnie, a much loved broadcasting legend.

"He made Sounds of the 70s and The Rock Show appointments to listen to, sharing his personal memories and tales each week.

"He loved radio and inspired a generation of presenters, passionately promoting the artists and music he cared about so deeply.

"Johnnie's wry sense of humour and his warm, open style of presenting ensured he was adored by his audience. The airwaves simply won't be the same again. He will be very much missed by Radio 2 presenters, staff and listeners alike, and our thoughts are with his wife Tiggy and his children."

Walker announced his plans to step back from his work back in October, after reading a letter from a listener whose father had passed away due to pulmonary fibrosis.

"Now, that leads me to be making a very sad announcement," he said.

"The struggles I’ve had with doing the show and trying to sort of keep up a professional standard suitable for Radio 2 has been getting more and more difficult, hence my little jokes about Puffing Billy, so I’ve had to make the decision that I need to bring my career to an end."

He first began his career in 1966 on a pirate radio station called Swinging Radio England, before moving to Radio 1 in 1969.

Walker joined Radio 2 in 1997, and stayed there until his retirement.