Chris Needs death: Greg James leads tributes after ‘legendary’ BBC radio host dies, aged 68

Broadcaster was awarded an MBE in 2005

(BBC)

Beloved BBC broadcaster Chris Needs has died, aged 68.

The Welsh radio host died of a heart condition following "a short period of ill health".

BBC Radio Wales announced the news, stating: ”It is with enormous sadness and regret that we confirm the death of Chris Needs MBE.

“Through his Friendly Garden, Chris brought pleasure and comfort to thousands of listeners, from all over the world, who treated him like a true friend.”

The “Friendly Garden” is an organisation comprised of approximately 50,000 listeners of Needs’ nightly radio show, which he hosted since 2002.

The station's Twitter statement continued: ”The thoughts of everyone at BBC Radio Wales are with Chris’s husband Gabe, his family and his many friends at this time.”

Needs’ radio career began with the station Touch AM before he joined Radio Wales as the co-presenter of Live Time.

Needs also established his own charity, Chris Needs Hospital Appeal, which supports hospitals in South Wales.

For his services, he was awarded an MBE in 2005.

Radio 1 DJ Greg James led the tributes to Needs, writing: "Such sad news. Sending all our love from Radio 1. Loved featuring Chris on my show over the years. And it was an honour to have been welcomed into the Friendly Garden."

Radio Cardiff presenters Nathan Wyburn and Wayne Courtney said: "RIP Chris Needs. The radio airwaves and Wales have lost a legend."