Capital Breakfast legend dies following short illness, friend announces
Capital Breakfast and BBC Radio host Howard Hughes, who was known for working alongside Chris Tarrant on the morning radio programme, has sadly passed away after suffering from a short illness.
Howard's death was confirmed by Adam Cornwell, a friend who helped produce Howard's podcast, The Unexplained, for over a decade. He made an announcement on the podcast's website on Saturday (16 November) which confirmed the presenter had passed last week.
Adam wrote: "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of Howard Hughes, the beloved and respected creator of The Unexplained With Howard Hughes and a dear friend who sadly died a week ago."
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In a recorded audio message on the page, he added that Howard's passing came following a short illness. He continued: "He wasn’t simply a presenter, he was a friend to those who tuned in, a guide who journeyed with them through the unknown and, for long time listeners, a constant through life’s good and bad times. Howard will be forever missed but never forgotten."
Howard's podcast explored science, conspiracies, space, the afterlife, other dimensions, according to the official website. Adam shared that the podcast would continue in his memory, writing: "I promise that this will not be the final edition of The Unexplained with Howard Hughes. In due time, I believe it would be fitting to celebrate and honour Howard’s life in an audio tribute, featuring memories and reflections from his former guests, friends of the show and colleagues."
During his time on radio, Howard interviewed singers such as David Bowie and Lionel Richie and politicians such as former Prime Minister Tony Blair.
A number of colleagues, friends and fans have paid tribute to Howard since his passing, including BBC Radio Berkshire's executive editor Duncan McLarty. Duncan said: "Howard had an unforgettably smooth voice, genuine warmth and a deep love of radio which was obvious to colleagues and listeners."
Broadcaster Russel Cane, who worked on the Capital Breakfast Show alongside Howard, shared to X: "Appalling news that our colleague of many years on The Chris Tarrant Breakfast Show our beloved newsreader Howard Hughes, has died. He was the consummate professional. A quiet very private, unassuming man with a god-given talent for radio. His podcast 'The Unexplained' was superb."
BBC presenter Michele Cross also shared her own tribute, tweeting: "So sad to hear of the death of @HughesOnAir He lived and breathed broadcasting. Always a pleasure to work with, he brought bucket loads of wisdom and belly laughs and was a super kind soul too. RIP Howard - the world has lost a legend".
