Broadcast icon Annie Nightingale – Radio 1’s first female DJ – has died, the BBC has said.

Nightingale, who was 83, started presenting on Radio 1 in 1970 and became its longest-serving broadcaster.

She was awarded an MBE in 2002 and a CBE in 2020.

In 2004, Nightingale was the first female DJ from Radio 1 to be inducted into the Radio Academy Hall of Fame.

In a statement reported by the BBC, her family said she died at home in London on Thursday, following a short illness.

They paid tribute to “a pioneer, trailblazer and an inspiration to many” and described how she became a role model for generations of young women.

“Her impulse to share that enthusiasm with audiences remained undimmed after six decades of broadcasting on BBC TV and radio globally,” Nightingale’s family said.

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“Never underestimate the role model she became. Breaking down doors by refusing to bow down to sexual prejudice and male fear gave encouragement to generations of young women who, like Annie, only wanted to tell you about an amazing tune they had just heard.

“Watching Annie do this on television in the 1970s, most famously as a presenter on the BBC music show The Old Grey Whistle Test, or hearing her play the latest breakbeat techno on Radio One is testimony to someone who never stopped believing in the magic of rock ‘n’ roll.”

A celebration of Nightingale’s life will take place in the spring, they said.

Radio 1 shared a photo of the renowned DJ on social media, saying the station was “extremely saddened” about her death.

Bosses at the broadcaster also paid tribute, with director-deneral, Tim Davie saying: “Annie was a uniquely gifted broadcaster who blessed us with her love of music and passion for journalism, for over 50 years.

“As well as being a trailblazer for new music, she was a champion for female broadcasters, supporting and encouraging other women to enter the industry.

“We will all miss her terribly.”

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Head of Radio 1 Aled Haydn Jones described Nightingale as “a world-class DJ, broadcaster and journalist”, who championed new music and new artists “throughout her entire career”.

He continued: She was the first female DJ on Radio 1 and over her 50 years on the station was a pioneer for women in the industry and in dance music.

“We have lost a broadcasting legend and, thanks to Annie, things will never be the same.”

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