Alex Jones Honors Late Co-Star Andy Kershaw

The One Show's Alex Jones paid a heartfelt on-air tribute to DJ Andy Kershaw on Friday evening following news of his death aged 66.

The former Radio 1 DJ and Live Aid presenter died after a battle with , his family confirmed earlier in the day.

Closing the programme, Alex took a moment to honour her fellow broadcaster. 

Alex said: 'Before we go, we wanted to take a moment to mention today’s sad news that DJ Andy Kershaw has died. 

'He was best known for Radio 1 and Live Aid, and also presented a number of films for The One Show in the past.

She concluded the tribute with: 'Our thoughts, of course, go out to his family and friends.'

It had been announced in January that the broadcaster had been diagnosed with cancer and was unable to walk.

The DJ said that doctors had discovered tumours in his spine last August, but insisted: 'I am in good spirits, feeling very positive and planning another podcast. 

'I am determined not to die before , Vladimir ,  and . That should keep me going for a while.'

Andy's sister Liz Kershaw, also known for her major career in broadcasting, led the heartfelt tributes following his death.

She wrote on X: 'Thank you for all your messages of affection for Our Andrew and kindness today. I’ve lost my best friend.'

Broadcaster Dawn Neesom said: 'So sorry Liz. Thoughts with you xx', whilst former Talksport host Jon Gaunt said: 'Thoughts are with you Liz. Stay strong love Jon'

Rock band The Stranglers wrote on Instagram: 'We're so sorry to hear of the passing of our dear old friend Andy Kershaw. We shared many times together over the years, and his enthusiasm for whatever he was involved in, his intelligence, and extremely sharp wit, were truly infectious. 

'It was always a pleasure to be in his company. There was never a dull moment. Our thoughts are will his family. R.I.P mate..." Sprinter and former Strictly Come Dancing star Iwan Thomas wrote on Instagram: "So sad what a wonderful man.'

His close friend, Peter Everett, said the radio star had been facing serious health struggles since his diagnosis. 

He said: 'My friend Andy has been going through a difficult time. Last August he was diagnosed with cancer, mainly affecting his spine and making him unable to walk.

'Since then he has been undergoing treatment, including chemotherapy, radiotherapy, physiotherapy and a lot of scans and painkillers.

'Although we’ve not been able to put together any podcasts in the last six months, we are very grateful to all the patrons and supporters who have stuck with us.'

Andy spent almost three decades working for BBC, and was best known for his Radio 1 show which ran from 1985 to 2000.

He started his career at the corporation in 1984 as the host of its rock music show Old Grey Whistle Test, and later co-presented the corporation’s television coverage of Live Aid.

The DJ joined Radio 1 as a successor to the late John Peel, and became known for his eclectic taste in music, often featuring non-mainstream sounds on his weekly programme.

Andy also travelled across the world to cover conflicts and cultural stories for the BBC, contributing to Radio 4 shows including From Our Own Correspondent, the Today programme and The World Tonight.

His coverage included the 1994 Rwandan genocide, and reporting from Sierra Leone in 2001 during the final stages of its civil war.

Andy also documented radio diaries from North Korea which, according to the BBC, were among the first programmes to be recorded inside the country.

The Rochdale-born broadcaster received multiple Sony Radio Academy Awards throughout his career, and was celebrated for bringing world music and specialised genres to mainstream radio.

The veteran DJ joined BBC Radio 3 in 2001 but left the post in 2007, having faced a series of personal problems after his long-term relationship broke down and he was jailed after breaking a restraining order.