Photo: BBC
It was announced earlier today that Sounds of the 60s presenter Brian Matthew had died, aged 88. It has since been revealed he's still fighting for his life.
A statement sent from the BBC press office received at 2.21pm by Gigwise states: "We were informed by close family and friends that Brian had passed away in the night. They have since been in contact to say that he remains critically ill. We will update with more information when we have it. Our thoughts remain with his family at this very difficult time."
Matthew presented Sounds of the 60s on Radio 2 between 1990 and November last year, returning for a special farewell edition in February this year. The show ended as the BBC announced changes to its scheduling and the station said it was the "right time" for Matthew to retire after an "extended bout of ill health".
As one of the most loved shows in the history of radio broadcasting he soundtracked the joy of Saturday morning for millions. Tributes began pouring in for Mathew on social media:
The man I grew up with on the radio Brian Mathew has died, he was 88 a true star RIP
— Steve Allen (@steveallenshow) April 5, 2017
RIP Brian Mathew.A brilliant DJ. Grew up listening and watching him.Sounds of the sixties on a Saturday was a must.Gone but never forgotten
— Bill Greenwood. (@seavixenman) April 5, 2017
However, people have become stunned in hearinf that he has not passed away as previously thought. Our thoughts remain with his family in the hope he can pull through and make a full recovery.
An updated statement regarding Brian Matthew. Our thoughts remain with him and his family. pic.twitter.com/NXkYdqpE8u
— BBC Radio 2 (@BBCRadio2) April 5, 2017
Matthew also hosted the radio show Saturday Club (later known as Easy Beat), which for a number years was almost the only pop station in the country.
In addition to radio, Matthew appeared on ITV as the host of Thank Your Lucky Stars. The broadcaster attracted the big stars of the 60s to come on his programmes; this included several appearances from the Beatles and Matthew's voice features on the Beatles' Live at the BBC and On Air - Live at the BBC Volume 2 albums.
