BBC retracts announcement that DJ Brian Matthew has died at 88

Brian Matthew, who hosted the long-running Sounds Of The 60s programme, and has died aged 88

The corporation announced earlier that the 88 year-old presenter had died, and its director general Tony Hall was among those issuing fulsome tributes.

But they said later: “We were informed by close family and friends that Brian had passed away in the night. They have since been in contact to say that he remains critically ill.”

The broadcaster, who was once dubbed Britain’s oldest DJ, stepped down from his popular Sounds of the Sixties programme in February, after 27 years, against his wishes.

The BBC said he left the show because of ill health, but Matthew called the decision to replace him “balderdash”.

His farewell show closed with Billy Fury’s Last Night Was Made For Love and also featured Elvis Presley’s Ghetto and The Beatles’ She’s Leaving Home.

Lord Hall had said earlier that said Matthew had “entertained and engaged millions over generations”.

He added: “He had a wonderful style of delivery and a real connection with his listeners.

“Brian was a true broadcasting great. We will all miss him and, of course, that voice.”