BBC Radio Leeds has paid tribute to breakfast show producer Andrew Evans, who died suddenly on Sunday.
Known to colleagues and listeners as “Producer Andy”, Evans, who had worked for the BBC for past three decades, produced Rima Ahmed’s weekday Breakfast programme.
The station informed listeners of his death during Wednesday’s breakfast show, with presenter David “Dixie” Dixon introducing a pre-recorded message from Ahmed, who was absent from the programme.
Dixon told listeners: “A little different here on the Breakfast Show this week, this is because all of us here at BBC Radio Leeds received some devastating news on Monday. Let’s hear it from Rima.”
In her emotional tribute, Ahmed said: “It’s Rima here, and it’s with deep sense of loss that I have to tell you that our beloved Andrew Evans, known here as producer Andy died suddenly on Sunday, June 21. All of us here at BBC Radio Leeds are absolutely devastated.”
She spoke of the many roles Evans held beyond the newsroom, describing him as a devoted father, husband, son and brother.
“Producer Andy is what I called him here, but he is also known by quite a few names – dad, was one of them to Tom and Ollie, who he was just utterly mad about.
“I can’t tell you how proud he was that you were his, that being your dad was just the best job, the best job he ever had. Ollie, he was so proud of your achievement at school and loved your hilarious comments. He often repeat them here. Tom, he loved your passion for music and sport, and being part of that world with you.”
Ahmed also paid tribute to Evans’ wife.
“He was also known as Andrew, husband to Emma. Emma, he referred to you on air as missus, with such affection. You were the centre of his universe and he was so content with the life you both built together.”
Reflecting on his wider impact, she added: “Andy was known as a few other names, son to Pat and brother to Gareth.
“He took great pride being an Evans, with Welsh roots and a Midlands state of mind, with a Yorkshire edge. There will be hundreds of few who we cared for, looked after, laughed with, drank with, who will remember Andy Evans for the rest of your days. Keep saying his name, whatever that was to you, I know I will. Thank you for listening.”
Katrina Bunker, Head of the BBC in Yorkshire said: “We are absolutely devastated. Andy has been a member of staff in Yorkshire for around 30 years – as a reporter, a producer and a member of the senior team. He cared deeply about BBC Leeds and was fiercely proud of the team and the work we do. He was a joy to work with, bringing his sense of humour to everything and always thoughtful and caring too.
“Behind the studio glass he has helped launch the career of many of our presenters, supported dozens more through their shows and been at the helm of some of the biggest breaking news stories and events BBC Leeds has covered.
“It is hard to imagine a Radio Leeds without him in it, he is a huge loss and our hearts go out to his family – who he utterly adored – and his many friends and colleagues.”
Evans had worked closely with Ahmed on the station’s weekday breakfast programme, which airs between 6am and 10am.
