Downtown Radio broadcaster 'Big T' dies aged 78

One of Downtown Radio's best-known presenters Trevor Campbell has died, the radio station has announced. He was 78.

Known as 'Big T,' the award winning DJ's career spanned 47 years.

Downtown Radio said a statement on Facebook: “We’re incredibly saddened to announce that our friend and colleague Trevor Campbell has passed away at the age of 78."

Over his career Big T interviewed some of country music’s biggest stars, including Dolly Parton, Kris Kristofferson, Willie Nelson and Johnny Cash.

U105 broadcaster Frank Mitchell told BBC News NI that Big T was "without doubt one of the most welcoming people I ever met when I joined Downtown numerous years ago".

"He went completely out of his way to help me learn the trick of the trade when it came to turntables and vinyl and [he was] one of the slickest operators in terms of radio presentation.

"To say he was a legend in broadcasting is without doubt not an overstatement and he will be dearly missed."

Country singer Nathan Carter expressed his sympathy to Campbell's family adding that he was "radio royalty when it came to presenting, especially in country music".

"What a guy. He was one of my first ever interviewers when I got a band on the road and he would've introduced me every year on stage when I was in Belfast.

"He will be sadly missed and is a great loss to country music."

BBC Radio Ulster presenter Hugo Duncan described Big T as a "very nice gentleman".

"A great lad, I used to enjoy going up and see him anytime I bought a new album. He was always a man that treated everybody very equal."

Campbell was named Favourite Radio Presenter for the fourth year running at the Northern Ireland Country Music Awards in February 2024 as well as being honoured with a Radio Hall of Fame award last year.