Northern Ireland

Stephen Clements: Radio Ulster presenter dies suddenly at the age of 47

Stephen Clements joined BBC Radio Ulster last year
Stephen Clements joined BBC Radio Ulster last year Stephen Clements joined BBC Radio Ulster last year

BBC Radio Ulster presenter Stephen Clements has died suddenly at the age of 47.

Clements, a married father-of-two, joined the station last summer, having been the long-time presenter of Q Radio's breakfast show.

BBC Northern Ireland director Peter Johnston paid tribute to the broadcaster as someone with "creative flair" who brought "a sense of mischievous flair to our airwaves".

“We are deeply saddened by this news," Mr Johnston said.

"Stephen was a talented and versatile presenter who was much loved by his colleagues and listeners. He brought creative flair and a sense of mischievous fun to our airwaves. And he had already become an established part of the BBC family.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this most difficult time.”

The presenter, from Carrickfergus, is survived by his wife, Natasha, and their two children, Poppy and Robbie.

He was a patron for the charity Autism NI and it, along with other charities which he had worked with, expressed their sadness.

Catherine Nuttall, head of fundraising for NSPCC Northern Ireland, said he had been a "much-loved ambassador".

"He was generous with his time, often taking several hours out of his busy schedule to support our fundraising and awareness raising activities," she said.

"He told me on several occasions how proud he was to be an NSPCC ambassador in Northern Ireland and we were incredibly proud to have him involved."

Having turned Q Radio's breakfast show into one of the most popular programmes in Northern Ireland, he landed what he described as his "dream" job at the BBC last year.

He worked as a presenter for BBC NI's coverage of the Open golf championship at Royal Portrush in July, and in September became the new host of Radio Ulster's mid-morning show.

The broadcaster's brother, Gavin Clements, spoke of the family's devastation.

“We are devastated to lose Stephen who was deeply loved by his family and friends. We would ask for time to come to terms with this news and for privacy at this difficult time.”

Listeners and colleagues have been posting tributes on social media.

Stephen was "the man I tuned to every morning for years to clear my head of all the crap in this place - I know so many people who said the same", one person tweeted.