Latest news with #KatrinaBunker
The Sun
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- The Sun
BBC radio legend Gerry Kersey dies aged 86 after 50 years in broadcasting as tributes pour in
LOCAL BBC broadcasting legend, Gerry Kersey, has died at 86. Kersey was a beloved presenter on BBC Radio Sheffield, with a career spanning five decades. 3 3 He sadly passed away on Friday morning after a long illness, with his wife Christine by his side. Alongside a successful career at the BBC and independent radio, he enjoyed performing in theatre productions, and art. He would share his paintings in exhibitions, and raised money for charity by selling Christmas cards featuring his work. When his career first began in the 1970s, he was juggling radio work alongside working in advertising for Stanley Tools. Struggling to balance the two, he ultimately decided to pursue a career in broadcasting. During a 2018 interview in the Sheffield Star, he said he was only earning £12 a week at the time. However, he quickly developed a loyal fanbase across the BBC and independent radio station Radio Hallam. Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire offered her condolences, saying: "Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield." She went on to say that he was well-known for his request-based and nostalgia shows. It led listeners to send in letters, emails and calls until he retired in 2020. She added: "Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry's show. "He will be sadly missed by all who knew him." 3
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
BBC local broadcasting 'legend' dies
Former BBC Radio Sheffield presenter Gerry Kersey, who became a listeners' favourite during his 50 years in broadcasting, has died. The 86-year-old, who worked for both the BBC and independent radio, had been ill for some time and died on Friday morning with his wife, Christine, at his side. Paying tribute, Katrina Bunker, Head of BBC Yorkshire, said: "Gerry was a true legend of local broadcasting, starting his career in 1968 as one of the first voices on BBC Radio Sheffield." Away from the microphone, he had a talent for performing in theatre and for art. His paintings featured in exhibitions and he raised money for charity by making and selling Christmas cards featuring his work. In a 2018 interview in the Sheffield Star marking his 50 years in broadcasting, he recalled that in the 1970s he was doing two jobs, handling advertising for local company Stanley Tools and doing radio work. "It became an alarmingly unbalanced life," he told the newspaper. But broadcasting eventually won his heart. "I decided, with my wife's full approval, that although it was only earning £12 a week I would take it on and see what I could do," he said. It turned out well and Gerry became a listeners' favourite, both for the BBC and on independent station Radio Hallam. Ms Bunker said: "In later years he was known for request-based and nostalgia shows and he got loads of letters, emails and calls right up to his last show in 2020. "Wherever you went around the area you would always meet someone who loved Gerry's show. "Off-mic, Gerry was just as much of a gentleman as he was on it, always encouraging , always warm and proud to still be on the radio after 50 years. "He will be sadly missed by all who knew him." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North
