News / BBC Radio Bristol
Tributes paid to ‘kind’ and ‘amazing’ presenter Emma Britton
Tributes have been pouring in for presenter Emma Britton who has passed away at the age of 52.
Emma, a familiar voice to listeners in Bristol through her work on BBC Radio Bristol and BBC Radio Somerset, died after being diagnosed with incurable lung cancer in 2025.
Friends, colleagues and listeners have remembered her as “down to earth”, “a kind, fantastic listener” and “an amazing person” whose warmth and generosity touched countless lives.
She died peacefully surrounded by her loved ones at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton on Saturday.
Her family said they were “heartbroken” by the news but proud of the impact she had on so many people.
View this post on Instagram
In a statement, they said: “With hearts full of love and loss, we share the news that our beloved Emma has left us.
“As you know, Emma was diagnosed with stage 4, incurable ALK-positive cancer last year and had been sharing her treatment journey with her usual openness, determination and honesty.
“Out of the blue, she suffered complications three weeks ago, when she had a stroke. Sadly, it was just too much.
“She passed peacefully this afternoon.
“Emma was so grateful for the love and care shown to her in recent months, and we know so many of you will be in shock at this news.
“We are, as you will know, heartbroken.
“We are also, as you would expect, going to commemorate and celebrate her life in exactly the way she wanted.
“And with the grace and love she showed so many families in the same situation we find ourselves now.
“It’s hard to comprehend just how many people she has helped so profoundly over the years.”
Emma, who was born in Bridgwater, joined the BBC in 2007 before going freelance in 2020 – photo: BBC Radio Bristol
Stephanie Marshall, head of BBC West, said: “Emma was a complete joy – a true force of nature who cared about Bristol, Somerset and the people here enormously.
“She came into radio through her fitness classes and went from contributor to breakfast presenter, almost overnight.
“Her greatest charm was just how down to earth she was, and such a kind, fantastic listener.
“Even through her illness, she set about educating us all on the right language to use around cancer.
“Emma was Mrs Bridgwater, always doing her hometown and Somerset proud.
“She will be painfully missed but completely unforgettable, and the world while poorer without her, we are far better off for her having been in it, if only it could have been for a bit longer.”
Tributes have also been paid from the wider broadcasting community.
A spokesperson for LGBTQ+ community radio show ShoutOut Radio said: “A big voice on our local BBC Bristol, several of our team had the pleasure of being on her show many times.
“Whether the rules allowed it or not, she was so supportive she always plugged us and the show, and even came and helped present our own Listeners’ Awards show one year.
“She was a friend, advocate and an amazing person.”
Emma’s family said they would share details of how people can honour her memory in the coming days.
Main photo: Emma Britton
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
