Stephen Clements: BBC Radio Ulster presenter dies age 47

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Stephen Clements joined BBC Radio Ulster last September

The BBC Radio Ulster presenter Stephen Clements has died suddenly. He was 47.

The broadcaster had presented the mid-morning Stephen Clements Show on the station since September.

The married father of two began his radio presenting career on Citybeat, and then hosted Q Radio’s Breakfast Show for seven years.

Before working in radio, Mr Clements studied geography at university and lived in South Korea for a period teaching English.

BBC Northern Ireland Director Peter Johnston said: “We are sorry to bring you the sad news of the passing of our colleague Stephen Clements.

“Our thoughts are with Stephen’s family, friends and colleagues, at this difficult time.”

Colleagues and friends have been quick to pay their respects to Mr Clements, who began his full-time career as a radio presenter in his late thirties and quickly became highly popular.

Mr Clements was patron of Autism NI, which was among those to lead online tributes.

South Belfast MLA Paula Bradshaw described Mr Clements as “a true gentleman and incredible talented broadcaster”.

The Q Radio breakfast show became one of the most-listened to radio programmes in Northern Ireland during his time there.

In June 2019, Mr Clements announced that he was leaving the station to join BBC Northern Ireland.

He subsequently co-presented the BBC NI TV series Open for Summer during the Open Golf Championship in Portrush in 2019.

He also co-hosted BBC Northern Ireland’s Children in Need programme in November 2019 with Holly Hamilton.

Mr Clements took over Radio Ulster’s mid-morning programme from veteran presenter Sean Coyle in September 2019, saying it had always been his “dream” to work for the BBC.

He is survived by his wife and two children.

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