Wacky Radio 2 Disc Jockey, Steve Wright, has locked himself in his studio and is refusing to come off-air unless the station's top-brass exceed to his demands. The seventies throwback is said to be unhappy with his recent treatment at the BBC, and feels that people are sniggering behind his back every time he mentions his "Big Show"
Wright has consistently referred to his show in this manner for years; as if it was in some way better or more deserving of higher billing than those of say, Chris Evans or Ken Bruce. He has always maintained that he's just being ironic, but it's no secret that this behaviour has put a few big noses out of joint in recent times.
The veteran 'jock' has had quite a bit of time off-air lately and tongues have begun wagging round Portland Place. Rumours are rife in broadcasting circles that the former 'big hitter' is being eased-out of his afternoon slot in favour of one of his recent stand-ins.
It's understood affable Steve is demanding that all staff at the station call him 'Your Majesty'. Upon entry to broadcasting house each day, he is insisting that he is crowned with a ermine-trimmed gold crown and full ceremonial robes in a short coronation ceremony held in reception, and finally, that a flag bearing his family's crest is flown from the flagpole on the roof at all times when he is in the building.
A spokesman for the station issued the following statement.
"The corporation is extremely grateful for all of Steve's past efforts, but one DJ does not an amazing daytime schedule make. If Steve comes out of his own volition we may be prepared to talk. There's a new slot between 2.30 and 4.30am on Sunday mornings. We're very excited about it and we'd love to put all this silliness behind us and sound him out about taking up a new challenge".
The standoff is now entering its second day and has taken a sinister turn as Wright is refusing to allow his comedy sidekick, The Old Woman, out of the studio. Trained negotiators are said to be standing by armed with tranquilizer guns and chloroform-soaked rags.
