The BBC has confirmed that Annie Nightingale, the first female presenter on BBC Radio 1 and the station's longest-serving DJ, has died aged 83.

Nightingale's family said that she died on 11 January at home in London following a short illness. In a statement they described her as a "pioneer, trailblazer and inspiration to many.

She was the only female DJ at the station for 12 years, until Janice Long in 1982. She famously said in her memoir, Hey Hi Hello: Five Decades of Pop Culture From Britain's First Female DJ, "From day one, I chose the records I wanted to play, and stuck to it ever since."

Ealing Councillor, Miriam Rice said on X: "I used to listen to just about every DJ on Radio 1 back in the 80s, and Annie Nightingale will always be about Sunday nights and getting ready for school the following week.

"Such sad news we will never hear her say "Hi" again."

Ealing Central and Acton MP, Dr Rupa Huq also paid her respects and said on X: "Very sad news…generations of us were reared on your request show."

BBC director general Tim Davie called Nightingale "a uniquely gifted broadcaster who blessed us with her love of music and passion for journalism, for over 50 years. As well as being a trailblazer for new music, she was a champion for female broadcasters, supporting and encouraging other women to enter the industry."

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