A BBC local radio star has died suddenly, leaving her colleagues and listeners ‘heartbroken’.
Vicki Archer, who had worked in Shropshire as an afternoon drivetime presenter for the broadcaster since 2010, died aged 41, it was announced on Tuesday. The cause of her death is currently unknown.
Breakfast presenter Eric Smith broke the news just after 3pm, describing the mother as a ‘much loved colleague’.
Vicki Archer, who had worked in Shropshire as an afternoon drivetime presenter for the BBC since 2010, is dead at the age of 41, it was announced on Tuesday
Mr Smith added that Vicki ‘brought a wonderful sense of fun to her shows and in the newsroom’, the BBC reported.
On Monday, Vicki tweeted: ‘HELP PLEASE Children are away for 5 days on holiday. #homealone Suggestions?
‘Free every morning and evening so adventurous, exciting, different, indulgent or just gorgeous? This morning after voice overs I’m piloxing. No idea either. Cross between boxing, dance and hip hop ha ha.’
Vicki had been presenting the afternoon drivetime show alongside her co-host Adam Green, for the past eight years (pictured together)
Mr Green wrote on Twitter: ‘I am sad and numb. Vicki was a lovely human being with a big heart. She was kind, generous, creative, warm and friendly to all she met’
A family statement read: ‘Vicki was a much loved daughter and mother as well as being an extremely talented broadcaster.
‘We are still coming to terms with her tragic loss so would ask that people respect our privacy and leave us alone to grieve as a family.’
Vicki had been presenting the 3-7pm show alongside her co-host Adam Green, for the past eight years.
A family statement read: ‘Vicki was a much loved daughter and mother as well as being an extremely talented broadcaster’
Mr Green wrote on Twitter: ‘I am sad and numb. Vicki was a lovely human being with a big heart. She was kind, generous, creative, warm and friendly to all she met.
‘In the 8 years I have worked with her there wasn’t a day when we didn’t laugh out loud. My thoughts are with her beautiful children and family x.’
David Jennings, the BBC’s head of regional programmes for the West Midlands added in a statement: ‘We are heartbroken at Vicki’s death.
The radio presenter is shown in footage alongside her colleague Adam Green at Sport Relief 2014 where they dressed up as hockey players
Vicki Archer and Adam Green joke during their appearance on Sport Relief 2014, where they became hockey players
‘Everyone here at Radio Shropshire respected her as a great presenter and journalist.
‘We loved the sense of fun she brought to her shows and the station.
‘Her loss leaves a huge void. Our thoughts are with her family at this sad time.’
Breakfast presenter Eric Smith broke the news just after 3pm, describing Vicki as a ‘much loved colleague’
On Monday, Vicki tweeted: ‘HELP PLEASE Children are away for 5 days on holiday. #homealone Suggestions?’
The tragedy comes after she posted a photo of herself on Twitter with glasses made out of post-it notes yesterday and joked: ‘I forgot my glasses. This will do though right?’
The newswoman also worked as an event host and a voice-over artist in commercial radio. Listeners began paying tribute to Vicki, who ‘brightened’ their afternoons.
Ann Lewis said: ‘My deepest sympathies to family, friends & work colleagues. You hear the voices on the radio and you feel you know these people on a personal basis. So very sad.’
Ken Poole said: ‘I listened to her most days and over the years one forms a type of relationship and friendship with the studio staff like Vicki. She was just brilliant to listen to with a sense of humour etc. Sadly missed.’
Rob Fielding added: ‘She always brightened my afternoons while out on the road. So sorry, my thoughts are with the family and friends xx.’
The tragic death comes a day after the presenter posted a photo of herself on Twitter with glasses made out of post-it notes and joked: ‘I forgot my glasses. This will do though right?’