‘Radio legend’ Trevor ‘Big T’ Campbell dies after short illness as tributes pour for ‘beloved friend’ & ‘colleague’

HEARTBREAKING tributes have poured in following the death of popular radio presenter Trevor Campbell, who has passed away aged 78.

The Northern Irish "radio legend", who was affectionately known as Big T, passed away in hospital following a short illness.

Trevor is survived by his partner, Vi, and his sister Norma.

He joined Downtown Radio in 1976 where he presented a popular country music show and has recently been presenting a nightly show on sister station Downtown Country.

Trevor last appeared on the country music show, which airs at 7pm each night, on this day last week, with fellow presenter Jason Hughes taking over the helm of the popular show in recent days.

Downtown Radio confirmed the sad news of his passing this afternoon.

In a moving tribute on social media, they said: "We’re incredibly saddened to announce that our friend and colleague Trevor Campbell has passed away at the age of 78.

"We will miss you greatly. Rest In Peace Big T."

Fellow presenter Stuart Robinson told how the entire Downtown team has been left "devastated" by the news and described Trevor as a "beloved friend and colleague".

He said: "The term legend is often thrown around but Trevor was a radio legend in every sense of the word.

"A pioneer, a trail blazer and a household name on radio in Northern Ireland for 50 years – no other radio personality here has or will ever come close to achieving what Trevor did during his career.

"Trevor loved and lived for the radio and radio loved him. He was still on-air on his hugely popular show just a few days ago doing what he did best.

"He was credited with bringing Country music to Northern Ireland audiences in the 1970’s at a time when no one here knew what it was and in 2015 we created and launched an entire radio station in his honour ‘Downtown Country’."

Stuart told how it was a "particular honour" to be with Trevor in 2016 when he was inducted into the PPI Irish Radio Hall of Fame.

He added: "Much more will be said about ‘Big T’ over the coming days and how he impacted the lives of so many people in Northern Ireland across many decades but for now our thoughts are with Trevor’s family, friends and the Downtown listeners who loved him so much.

"We will all miss him so much. Legend x."

'THANKS FOR EVERYTHING'

Trevor was a legend on the airwaves for many and interviewed some of the biggest country music stars across the globe during his career.

Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, Jerry Lee Lewis, Kris Kristofferson and Willie Nelson are just some of the big names he chatted with during his career - which spanned over four decades.

Belfast singer Dale Armstrong hailed Trevor as a "broadcasting legend" and told how he is "extremely saddened" to hear of his passing.

He said: "Trevor was a broadcasting legend and was a huge supporter of local country music.

"He played my music on multiple occasions and was always very very complimentary.

"My thoughts go out to his family and friends. RIP Big T, thanks for everything."

The Music Room in Co Down added: "In absolute shock that the legendary Trevor Campbell affectionately known to us all as Big T as passed away!

"Always enjoyed listening to Big T distinctive voice over the airwaves and a pleasure to chat anytime we met! Our thoughts and prayers are with Vi and the extended Campbell family.

"Our extended thoughts and prayers are with the fellow colleagues of Downtown Radio, the listeners and the wider musical fraternity here and further afield."