Death of Chris Stuart: Only Connect creator and radio host dies aged 73

Radio presenter Chris Stuart has died aged 73, the BBC has confirmed.

Stuart is best known for being the creator of one of the BBC’s most popular quiz shows Just connectpresented by Victoria Coren Mitchell.

The Durham-born broadcasting veteran has a long history with the station, having been one of the first presenters to host on BBC Radio Wales.

Announcing Stuart’s death, Kate Phillips, Director of Unscripted at the BBC said: “We are devastated to learn of the death of Chris Stuart, creator and executive producer of one of the BBC’s most popular quiz shows Just connectand previously a presenter on BBC Radio Wales and BBC Radio 2’s breakfast show.

“He was an extremely talented and intelligent man and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time. So many people have benefited from him and learned their craft, he leaves an incredible legacy.”

Stuart presented the morning program on BBC Radio Wales for almost a decade before it was replaced by a revival of Good Morning Wales.

He also worked at BBC Radio 2 and Radio, while his production company was responsible for the creation Just connect in 2008.

Currently in its 17th series, the show sees competitors compete in teams trying to find the connections between seemingly random clues.

The station is survived by his wife Megan, a former BBC Radio Wales editor and producer hour of the womanher three children and one other child from a previous marriage.

Stuart and his wife founded the independent production company Presentable in 1993, broadcasting major events from Cardiff’s Millennium Stadium and the Sydney Opera House.