BBC radio star Jenny Collins dies: Heartbroken colleague pays tribute to founding Merseyside member
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An iconic BBC Radio Merseyside star has died.
Jenny Collins was a beloved member of the Merseyside community after setting up her radio show in 1967.
His colleague BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Roger Lyon took to Facebook on Friday to share the heartbreaking news with his followers.
He wrote: ‘I was so sorry to hear of the passing today of the lovely Jenny Collins, one of the founding members of Radio Merseyside.’
‘He was there at the start of 1967, performing many duties both in front of and behind the microphone.
The sweet remembrance continued as Roger recalled exchanging letters with Jenny.
Jenny Collins, founding member of BBC Radio Merseyside, has died.
He wrote: ‘I still have the letters we exchanged when we were living and working in Oz in the mid 90s and he was serving as Program Controller and was planning what I could do at RM when I returned.’
Completing the post, Roger fondly recalled the last time he saw Jenny, who is married to jazz critic and broadcaster Steve Voce.
He said: ‘I last saw him about 4 years ago as my guest at RM chatting about his career working there.
‘She was married to Steve Voce, who presented a Jazz Program called Jazz Panorama for many years.
‘He had a great broadcast voice and was a really nice person. RIP.’
The post was met with a flood of condolences from friends and followers.
‘This is really sad news. I remember him from the early days of Radio Merseyside and would like to remind you that for a long time he presented a program specifically aimed at younger audiences.’
‘Oh unfortunately I remember listening to Jenny’
His colleague BBC Radio Merseyside broadcaster Roger Lyon took to Facebook on Friday to share the heartbreaking news with his followers.
The post was met with a flood of condolences from Jenny’s friends and followers, including a BBC employee who shared her gratitude for her help with her career.
Jenny was married to Steve Voce, who presented a Jazz Program called Jazz Panorama for many years (LR: Steve Voce, Ruby Braff and Max Jones at Manchester Sports Guild, pictured in 1965)
Another BBC employee wrote: ‘Good words Roger. Remember back in the early 90’s Jenny took me to London for a week for a Presenter course. I always believed this was the leg to my 30 years at BBC Merseyside. RIP Jenny’.
BBC Radio Merseyside became the BBC’s third local radio service when it began broadcasting from Commerce House in Liverpool on 22 November 1967.
Jenny was among the original team behind the launch and served as Senior Producer for many years, as well as presenting programs such as Junior Spin.
Her husband Steve sadly died in 2023.
