Janice Long’s broken-hearted husband says he’s lost the ‘love of his life’ as her children pay tribute
JANICE Long's husband said he's lost the 'love of his life' in an emotional tribute following her death.
The BBC Radio presenter and former Top of the Pops host died on Christmas Day at the age of 66 after contracting pneumonia.
Her tragic death was announced on Boxing Day as her agent Nigel Forsyth confirmed the sad news in a statement, detailing she had suffered from a "short illness" before she passed away surrounded by family.
Janice's heartbroken husband Paul Berry and devastated children Fred and Blue have paid tribute.
Her husband Paul said in an emotional tribute: "I’ve lost the love of my life and I’m going to spend the rest of it half a person.
"She had my back from the day we met, you couldn’t possibly ask for more love and loyalty from a wife."
Janice was a mother-of-two, sharing children Fred, 33, and Blue, 25, with her husband Paul Berry, who she married in an intimate ceremony in 2017.
The couple were together for many years, after forming a relationship in 1987, years after her divorce from first-husband Trevor Long.
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Fred and Blue have remained out of the spotlight for their lives - but have also sharing loving memories of their mum.
Their daughter Blue said: "Mum I love you. You paved the way for me to have an incredible life. You were a trailblazer for so many women to go conquer and succeed.
"The first woman to host Top of the Pops and the first woman to have her own daily show on Radio 1.
"You have shown me that anything is possible and to never stop fighting for what you want and deserve."
Blue also took to Instagram to share several images of memorable moments with her mum.
Janice's son Fred said: "She wasn't only a mum to me but a whole bunch of my friends that she took in and cared for and I'll never forget everything she has done for me.
"She inspired me to be what I want and told me never to settle for anything less."
Janice posted a final message on social media shortly after being hospitalised as she battled pneumonia.
She told her followers: "Good Morning world from my hospital bed in Liverpool."
Tributes have continued to pour in for the late radio DJ from the showbiz world since the devastating announcement.
Carol Vorderman called her a "lovely, vibrant trailblazer" saying: "Janice is a huge star in our BBC Wales tight knit family ❤️.
"As a woman in the industry, I truly admired her as the first woman ever to have a daily show on Radio One. We're in a state of disbelief to be honest."
While Les Dennis said he would "miss our chats" calling her a "shining and innovative talent".
Her death came just four years after her brother and fellow entertainer Kevin Chegwin passed away.
Janice was best known for her appearances across BBC radio, including Radio 1 and Radio 2.
The star, who grew up in Liverpool, became a station assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979 and she was eventually given her own show.
Janice hosted Streetlife on Sunday mornings before she made her debut with a Saturday-night show in 1982.
Chart show Top of the Pops then welcomed her as the first female presenter in 1983, where she co-presented the show alongside John Peel.
Janice returned to co-present the final show in July 2006 after decades of working with Crash FM, BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 6 Music.
She also presented four night a week on BBC Radio Wales right up until her death, as well as the Saturday afternoon slot on Greatest Hits Radio.
Outside of radio, Janice also appeared on The X Factor, Countdown and The Weakest Link - as well as lending her voice to BBC Three's Desperate Midwives.
Her agent Nigel said of her death in a statement: "Janice was a wonderful, warm human being and exceptional broadcaster.
"She told a brilliant story and always made you roar with laughter with her sharp wit. She will leave behind her husband Paul and two children.
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"Janice loved the BBC and started her career as a station assistant at BBC Radio Merseyside in 1979, to complete it with the magnificent people at BBC Radio Wales.
"Janice wanted it known she was so thankful to the NHS and all who looked after her there."
