BBC Radio presenter Richard Cartridge, 72, has died after a short disease. 

The radio veteran left his occupation at BBC Radio Solent just a few weeks ago following serving 46 years at the station.

Richard experienced joined BBC Radio Solent, the community station for Hampshire, Dorset and the Isle of Wight, in 1972 and was one particular of its best-loved presenters.  

BBC Radio Solent veteran Richard Cartridge has died pursuing ‘a short illness’ aged 72

The news of his demise was verified by the station on Twitter currently, crafting: ‘We are deeply unfortunate to announce that our dear buddy Richard Cartridge has passed away adhering to a brief illness.

‘Richard entertained the South on-air for above 46 a long time. Thank you Loaded.

‘Our views and prayers are with his family. He will be deeply missed’

The Saturday mid-early morning exhibit on BBC Radio Solent was devoted to the memory of their ‘close friend’ Richard Cartridge as fans sent in their tributes.

‘Richard was these kinds of a sort, funny person and he, like all of us, has experienced his ups and downs during his existence,’ reported BBC Radio Solent presenter Alex Dyke on-air.

‘But the final few years have been significantly challenging for Richard – well being-clever, and he was just so chipper about it. 

‘Every 7 days when he would come in to history his Sunday evening show he would be earning absolutely everyone in the business giggle.

‘For me he will usually be Mr Radio Solent.’ 

‘Mr Radio Solent’: The radio presenter had retired in June as a single of the stations longest-serving presenters – after 46 years at the station

The show’s breakfast presenter Louisa Hannan also paid tribute on Twitter.

She wrote: ‘The saddest information. Loaded, you were being a entire gentleman. Happy to have recognised and worked with you. You will be so significantly skipped. x’  

The station shared a guiding-the-scenes video from 2015 of Richard at operate. 

Richard, who retired in June, referred to the station as his ‘spiritual home’.

He was just one of Radio Solent’s longest-serving presenters and a huge favorite amongst listeners.  

He briefly still left Radio Solent in 2010 subsequent a cull of presenters but he was reinstated right after a petition demanding his return.

During his career, Richard also labored for Vintage FM and Bournemouth-based 2CR FM, as effectively as composing a column for the Southern Every day Echo. 

The star suffered a substantial tragedy in 2005 when his son James was found useless outdoors of his Dorset home.  

Richard had also been open up with his supporters about his psychological well being battles indicating he had been unaware that he was suffering from bipolar ailment. 

Former Strictly Arrive Dancing star Mike Bushell compensated his condolences to the presenter on-line, calling Richard one particular of his mentors.

The BBC sports presenter wrote: ‘One of the greats is absent. So sad to go through this. 

‘He was 1 of my mentors and inspirations when I to start with began at the BBC at BBC Radio Solent in 1990. 

A real normal with these kinds of a cheeky wit.’