Capital Breakfast and BBC Radio icon Howard Hughes dies after short illness

Capital Breakfast and legend Howard Hughes, famed for his work with Chris Tarrant, has tragically died following a brief illness.

Howard's passing was confirmed by Adam Cornwell, a close colleague responsible for producing Hughes' podcast, The Unexplained, for more than ten years.

An announcement on the podcast's official website was made on Saturday (16 November), stating that the esteemed broadcaster passed away the previous week.

Adam expressed his sorrow as he stated: "It is with great sadness that I announce the passing of , the beloved and respected creator of The Unexplained With Howard Hughes and a dear friend who sadly died a week ago."

In an audio tribute, Adam spoke further about Howard's impact, saying: "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."

Tributes from those who worked with him and knew him began to flood in not long after.

Presenter Steve Penk wrote on X: "Such sad news about Howard Hughes, he was a wonderful broadcaster and a nice man, I will always remember Howard with great affection, many laughs, special memories. That voice."

Sandy Warr added her own tribute, as she wrote: "Such sad news to hear of the loss of #HowardHughes - my career overlapped with his countless times and I remember chatting with him when he was taking over from me as Chris Tarrant's news reader - such a lovely lovely man and a HUGE voice -- thoughts with everyone who knew him."

David Lloyd added his own words of sympathy as he said: "Farewell to Howard Hughes. So, so sad to hear the news today of this huge figure in commercial radio.

"What a voice - and he knew how to command an audience with it. Here's an hour in his company, telling his story - alone."

Throughout Howard's lengthy career on the air waves, he interviewed a number of big names including former Prime Minister Tony Blair and legendary pop stars David Bowie and Lionel Richie.