Beloved BBC star and 'champion for local radio' dies as devastated colleagues pay tribute

Colleagues paid tribute to Charlie Partridge as they took to social media to share the news of his death. He previously worked for the BBC as Managing Editor of BBC Radio Lincolnshire since 1999 before leaving his role in 2020. Former BBC News Foreign Correspondent and presenter Jonathan Charles led tributes to his colleague and friend on Saturday. ICharlie's cause od death has not yet been reported. Taking to X, Jonathan penned: "I am very sorry to hear of the loss of Charlie Partridge. More than 45 years ago, he taught me a lot about broadcasting @BBCNottingham - he was a great guy and we stayed in touch, occasionally swapping messages in the years since. Sometimes discussing @springsteen - My thoughts are with his family." He reposted a message from John Hess, who also offered his condolences, writing: "Celebrating the life of Charlie Partridge. Father. Husband of Jill. Great friend. Former Managing Editor of BBC Radio Lincolnshire. Champion of BBC public service broadcasting & local radio. Charlie will be missed."

BBC Radio Lincolnshire presenter Sean Dunderdale also penned a heartfelt message to his former colleague. He accompanied the post with a picture of himself alongside Charlie and penned: "As others have posted online, I'm deeply saddened to have learnt yesterday of the death of Charlie Partridge."

Sean also posted a lengthy tribute, writing: "I remember - and often reminded him - of how, when a teenager, I listened to his breakfast show on Radio Humberside.

"When he was appointed Managing Editor at Radio Lincolnshire, I showed him around Lincs FM and spent years winding him up with daft stunts - including parking my Lincs FM car right outside the BBC reception doors and other such tricks.

"I was proud to then become his final presenter appointment before his well deserved retirement from the BBC. His love of radio - especially local radio - shone through everything he did. He continued to judge the National Hospital Awards for me right up until earlier this year and was always full of praise for the winning entries."

Sean concluded: "He was the genius behind Lip Dub Lincoln (check it out on YouTube) and created Lincolnshire Day and the Lincolnshire flag - neither would have happened without Charlie. Next time you see the flag, think of the great Charlie Partridge. Lincolshire is poorer for his passing but much richer for the time spent he with us."

Former BBC presenter Andy Comfort tweeted: "Oh my goodness. How sad. Charlie was indeed a champion of BBC Local Radio and I very much enjoyed working with him, especially in my NUJ role. Condolences to Jill and family and friends. RIP Charlie."

BBC radio listeners also offered their condolences as one wrote: "Sad to hear Jonathan, John. Charlie was a lovely man, who believed in truly local radio. He was also very kind and supportive. Thoughts with his family."

Another penned: "It is indeed very sad Jonathan. Lovely man."

The news comes after it was announced five years ago the editors of BBC Radio Lancashire, Radio York and Radio Lincolnshire had taken voluntary redundancy which included Charlie.