Celebrities and listeners pay tribute to Welsh radio presenter Chris Needs

Video report by Rob Osborne

Celebrities and listeners have paid tribute to a "giant of Welsh radio" broadcaster Chris Needs, who has died aged 66.

BBC Wales confirmed that Needs had passed away following a "short period of ill health."

Singing legend Bonnie Tyler and comedian Mike Doyle both paid their respects to a man who they described as a "real character".

In a statement the BBC said: "Through his Friendly Garden, Chris brought pleasure and comfort to thousands of listeners, from all over the world, who treated him like a true friend.

"The thoughts of everyone at BBC Radio Wales are with Chris’s husband Gabe, his family and his many friends at this time."

Chris was born in Cwmafan and joined Radio Wales in 1996.

He began by co-presenting the mid-morning magazine programme, Live Time, and an edition of the afternoon phone-in show, The Network.

Chris then began hosting his own late night show called The Friendly Garden Programme, where he had formed a community of listeners.

He was awarded an MBE by the Queen in 2005.

Tributes poured in for the presenter on social media following the announcement.

Journalist Carolyn Hitt described him as a "social service, providing comfort to countless listeners, particularly the elderly."

A tribute from BBC Wales simply reads, "We will miss you."

Music legend Bonnie Tyler paid tribute to the man she said was "full of life".

"It is a massive shock," she said.

"Gabe phoned me last night. I only spoke to Chris last week when he had come out of hospital and he sounded great.

"He played the keyboard when we were in a band in the late 60’s, he was a real character. He had such a great show on the radio."

"I didn’t expect it, I was only talking to him last week and it is very sad," she continued.

"He has got many fans, he has comforted so many people himself. He had a great sense of humour and was everyone's friend. Sending all my kisses to Gabe."

Colin Paterson, Editor of BBC Radio Wales, called Chris "a one off and an all-round entertainer" who was "a giant of Welsh radio".

He added: "His contribution to Radio Wales can't be underestimated, not least in recent months when he has provided comfort and companionship to our listeners.

"And for almost 20 years, the Friendly Garden has brought people together from across Wales and the world, from every walk of life. The ability to bring people together was one of his many strengths and I know the Garden team, along with all of us at Radio Wales will miss him.

"But our thoughts today are with Chris's husband Gabe, his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time."

Comedian and actor Mike Doyle, who worked with Chris on a production of Contender echoed Colin's words, saying the presenter would be "massively missed".

"What a shock, my thoughts go to Chris' family and Gabe," Mike said.

"You think of Chris as a radio presenter but he was a lot more than that. We had the best of times on Contender and had some great memories in the wings on that show.

"There will be a lot of people very grateful to Chris, as I say he will be massively, massively missed by so many."