Tributes have been paid following the death of a radio broadcaster from the North East known to listeners of stations around the country and across the world.

It was announced today that former Atlantic 252 presenter Gary Wilkinson died late on Friday, at the age of 50, following a short illness.

Mr Wilkinson cut his presenting teeth at Wear FM in Sunderland in the mid-1990s and later spent a year in Canada, on stations CKNG Power 92, in Edmonton, and Power 107, in Alberta.

But his broadcasting career also included stints at Sun FM, in Sunderland, Metro and TFM, Galaxy North East and Manchester, MFM, Wyvern, Real Radio, and for various BBC stations.

His voice was also heard on Merge 104.8 Muscat, All Oldies Radio, Holiday FM, Zetland FM, YO1 and Frisk Radio.

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He was known under a range of on-air names, both in the UK and across the globe, among them Pizzaman, on Atlantic 252, and Mojo/Nick Jordan, on Galaxy.

In recent years he was freelancing at the BBC but he also worked at local community and commercial stations, many in his native North East.

A cousin shared the news of his death on Facebook today (Sunday October 30), saying: “Sadly, late Friday night 28/10/22 my fabulous cousin Gary Wilkinson passed away after a short illness.

“He was with family and will live on in our hearts and memories forever.

“Gary was my favourite cousin and a friend.

“It has come as a shock to us all. Please respect his family at this time xxxx.”

A message was posted on social media by Frisk Radio, saying: “It is with great sadness that we confirm the passing of Frisk Radio presenter Nick Jordan (Gary Wilkinson).

“Gary was a highly-experienced and well-respected presenter at Frisk, and, before joining the team, had worked for countless other North East and national radio stations.

“Gary passed away late on Friday night after a short illness.

“Our thoughts and deepest condolences to his family.”

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Hartlepool local radio veteran Paul ‘Goffy’ Goff, of BBC Radio Tees, tweeted: “Sad to hear of the loss re-the lovely Gary Wilkinson today.

“I shared some great nights with him through the years and we talked so much about radio.

“Gary assembled a fabulous cv via Atlantic 252, TFM, Galaxy and so many more.

Rest in peace Gary.”

Simon Grundy, of Sun FM, said: “Such sad news this morning to discover the passing on Friday of Gary Wilkinson (Nick Jordan to Sun FM listeners) after a short illness.

“Gary loved radio more than anyone I know from his days in Canada, Atlantic 252, Galaxy, TFM, Sun FM (and more).

“RIP Gary.”

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