Lisa Shaw BBC: tributes pour in as beloved Newcastle radio presenter dies aged 44

Tributes have been paid to popular BBC radio presenter Lisa Shaw who died today (May 23) aged 44.

Lisa was a daytime presenter on BBC Radio Newcastle and a well-known voice in the North East.

Career highlights

Lisa was born in County Durham and later studied at Bournemouth University.

She had a fruitful career in radio, working at Metro Radio, Heart, Century Radio and Real Radio, the latter of which saw the broadcaster win the Sony Gold Award for breakfast show of the year.

Lisa joined the BBC Radio Newcastle daytime team in 2016, where she quickly became a familiar voice for listeners across the North East.

Tributes paid to Lisa Shaw

Lisa’s death was announced on Sunday (May 23), shortly after which the hashtag “RIP Lisa” began trending on Twitter - a testament to the presenter’s huge popularity.

Lisa died after a short, unnamed illness in hospital. She leaves behind a young son and husband.

Listeners and colleagues of Lisa wrote heartfelt tributes online, with BBC colleague Stephanie Finnon saying Ms Shaw was an "incredible presenter" who was "hilarious, unflappable, the ultimate pro", while co-worker Martin Lindsay said he would "best remember the countless laughs and general silliness".

BBC Radio Newcastle's acting executive editor Rik Martin said everyone at the station was "devastated and thinking about Lisa's lovely family".

"She was a trusted colleague, a brilliant presenter, a wonderful friend, and a loving wife and mum," he said.

"She loved being on the radio and was loved by our audiences.

"We've lost someone special who meant a great deal to a great many people."

Sky Sports commentator Gary Taphouse knew Shaw personally and tweeted:

“In total shock over this news. Lisa was my housemate at uni, we laughed endlessly for three years. A wonderful and talented human being. ‘Sending all my love to her husband Gareth and her gorgeous little boy. Life is so cruel.”

Lisa’s colleague and news reader Chris Middleton announced her death on-air, and wrote on Twitter afterwards:

‘Well, that was the hardest bulletin I’ve ever had to read. Everyone at @bbcnewcastle is absolutely devastated at the news of Lisa Shaw’s death. ‘She was an excellent presenter, a lovely person, and taken far too soon. My thoughts are with her family, friends, and our colleagues.’

Lisa’s family, meanwhile, released a statement on her death, saying:

“We are all completely heartbroken, in disbelief, numb, and saddened, that there is a Lisa-shaped hole in our lives that will never, ever be filled.

“We are so grateful for the time that we have had with her, and there are so many happy memories that we will hold dear for the rest of our lives.

“She was the best wife and mammy, sister, daughter, aunty, friend and colleague that anyone could hope for.

“She loved connecting every day with the wonderful people of the North East, and it gives us great comfort to know how many lives she was an integral part of every single day.

“We’d like to thank everyone for the overwhelming love and support we have received at such a difficult time, reinforcing how deeply cherished she was by so many people. We will love and miss her, always.”