Former Radio 2 presenter Malcolm Laycock has died. His agent confirmed his passing yesterday, while Radio 2 boss Bob Shennan told reporters staff at the station were "shocked and saddened" to hear of his death.
Laycock presented numerous shows for the BBC over the years, normally focussing on jazz and big band music. As well as his work for Radio 2 he was known around the world for shows he presented for the BBC World Service.
In recent years he was perhaps best known for presenting Radio 2's 'Sunday Night At 10', a show he fronted for fourteen years, and which played music from the 1930s and 1940s. His departure from the show wasn't exactly amicable. Contract renewal talks fell through, reportedly over money, and Laycock decided not to return after his customary summer break. He later told a newspaper he had basically been fired by Radio 2, though the BBC station denied that was the case.
Not mentioning the dispute, Shennan told reporters yesterday: "Malcolm was a much-loved and highly respected broadcaster, renowned for his skill as a presenter and producer, and his passion for music and radio".