Pioneering Merseyside broadcaster Janice Long has died at the age of 66.
The Liverpool-born presenter’s career began as a station assistant with BBC Radio Merseyside before becoming a household name on national platforms.
She was the first woman to regularly present Top of the Pops in addition to hosting shows on Radio 1, Radio 2, XFM and, until recently, Radio Wales.
As a champion of new music, she helped several artists enjoy their first taste of airplay, most notably Frankie Goes To Hollywood and Amy Winehouse.
Janice, whose strong links with her home city included piloting the creation of local radio station Crash FM, died on Christmas Day following a short illness.
Her brother and TV star Keith Chegwin passed away just over four years ago.
In a statement, Janice’s agent Nigel Forsyth said: “Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.
“She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit. She will leave behind her husband Paul and two children who she thought the world of.
“Janice loved the BBC and started her career as a station assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979, to complete it with the magnificent people at BBC Radio Wales.
“Janice wanted it known she was so thankful to the NHS and all who looked after her there.”
Tributes to the late broadcaster flooded in from across the music world, including several Merseyside artists and bands that came to know her.
“Sad to hear the news about Janice Long passing,” tweeted The Coral.
“She was great to us and like the best broadcasters, talking to her was always easy, like catching up with a friend.
“RIP Janice.”
Pete Wylie added: “Brave brilliant Janice Long. The best friend a boy could have – 40 years!
“We said our goodbyes on Thursday but she’ll never be far from here.
“An absolute pro, dedicated to the music she loved and championed, but smart, kind, funny, generous.
“I love you mate. Friends forever.”