A major radio personality has spoken out about her recent lifestyle overhaul spurred on by the tragic deaths of two of her colleagues. BBC Radio 2 DJ Jo Wiley shared the changes she has made to her own life following the loss of her peers Simon Willis and Steve Wright.
The 58-year-old has adopted several new habits including drinking less alcohol, cutting out sugar and exercising more to stay as healthy as possible.
While some of these may seem like obvious choices, these were not often a consideration for Jo when she was younger. She also admitted she has not had the best sleep routine, partly due to her full-on job.
But the mum-of-four made a conscious effort to change, as a result of the deaths of her close friends.
Speaking to The Telegraph, she said: “All our big players we used to hang out with have died. So we have to be the party hosts because we have all the kids of all the people who have died coming to our place. That’s a real downer but it’s the actual truth.”
The first blow to Jo was the death of BBC Radio 1 producer Simon Willis in 2021 after he was diagnosed with a brain tumour.
A second friend lost their life to Covid and a third passed away following a battle with cancer.
“They were the ones we used to go out and do an awful lot of fun stuff with, so all of a sudden you’re like, ‘Now what do we do?’ Jo said.
She spoke about waiting for her friends to arrive on a Friday night, adding: “And you’re just waiting, looking at the door, going, ‘Oh no, he’s not coming round, no he’s dead, he’s not coming round any more’.”
Jo admitted she still misses her friends massively and is struggling to fill the “gaping holes” they have left.
Another loss happened more recently with the death of Jo’s Radio 2 DJ colleague Steve Wright last month at the age of 69.
In tribute to Steve, she wrote on X: “What a man. What a legend. The broadcaster’s broadcaster.
“One of the kindest, loveliest people I’ve had the pleasure to work with. Thanks for the support & music chat over the years.
“Can’t believe we won’t meet in the bowels of MV for our weekly catch up. Love ya Wrighty.”
Jo believes the loss of these friends made her determined to stay fit and healthy herself.
She now goes swimming up to four times a week and runs with her husband Steve a couple of times a week.
Jo has also discovered her alcohol tolerance has reduced as she has got older and that having a third Vodka makes her feel “horrendous” the next day, prompting her to cut back on her drinking.
In her spare time she has also taken up gardening as a hobby that helps her relax.
What changes has Jo made?
There are five key lifestyle changes Jo has now adopted.
Swimming and running – Jo says she goes swimming three or four times a week and goes running a couple days.
Gardening to relax – When she’s not exercising, Jo likes to do some gardening to help tackle her anxiety.
Drinking less – She says she is taking a step back from the party lifestyle.
Eating healthily – Jo is consuming less sugar and eating more vegetables, nuts and pulses and vitamins.
Taking on new challenges – She is keen to take part in another half marathon, having done one in Milton Keynes in 2017.
