BBC presenter Dianne Oxberry has died at the age of 51 following a short illness, the broadcaster has said.
Dianne worked alongside Simon Mayo and Steve Wright on Radio 1 before moving to North West Tonight in 1994, where she worked until her death.
She was the main weather presenter on the programme and also fronted regional current affairs show ‘Inside Out North West’.
Dianne, who lived in Greater Manchester, died at Manchester’s Christie Hospital on Thursday, the BBC said.
Her husband, Ian Hindle, has paid tribute to the “amazing wife and mother who embraced life to the full”.
“She was an inspiration to all who knew and loved her but also to the people who watched and welcomed her into their homes each night as if she were part of their family too.” he said. “She will leave a massive void in our lives but, because of the remarkable person she was, she will forever live on in our hearts. The children and I will miss her more than anyone can imagine.”
Sunderland-born Dianne joined North West Tonight after studying at the Met Office College.
She also presented a number of programmes on BBC Radio Manchester, including the Breakfast Show.
Roger Johnson, a presenter on ‘North West Tonight’, said: “We are heartbroken by Dianne’s death. It is almost impossible to comprehend. Dianne was ‘North West Tonight’. It’s hard to imagine the programme without her.
“Our thoughts are with Ian and all of Dianne’s family. We hope they will find some comfort in the knowledge so many people loved Dianne and will miss her terribly.”
Annabel Tiffin, also a presenter ‘North West Tonight’, said: “This is an enormous shock for all of us. I can scarcely believe Dianne has died. She was loved by our viewers, by all of us at North West Tonight. My heart breaks for her family.
“Di was so talented, so beautiful, so funny and so full of life. On screen she was a star, radiating warmth and good humour. Off screen, she was a wonderful colleague, a loyal friend, and I will miss her terribly.”
