Shock and heartbreak as Downtown Radio presenter Trevor 'Big T' Campbell dies after short illness - tributes paid

He passed away in hospital after a short illness at the age of 78-years

Trevor was one of the first presenters on Downtown Radio when it launched in 1976.

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

In a statement, station Content Director, Stuart Robinson, said: "The entire Downtown team are devasted at the news our beloved friend and colleague Trevor Campbell (Big T) has died at the age of 78 following a short illness.

"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 house hold name on radio in Northern Ireland for 50 years – no other radio personality here has or will lever 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’.

"It was a particular honour to be with Trevor in 2016 when he was inducted into the PPI Irish Radio Hall Of Fame.

"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 "

Big T's death comes weeks after his former Downtown colleague Candy Devine who died in her native Australia aged 85.

Tributes have started to pour in for the radio legend:

• John Rosborough @JRRadioNI – I was shocked and greatly saddened to hear that Big T, Trevor Campbell, has passed away. A Downtown original, he was a master of his craft, his witty and slick style being an instant hit with listeners, as were his Country music shows. Deepest sympathy to his family and friends.

• Bob Huggins @BobHuggins13 – ‘Saddened to hear of the passing of former DTR colleague Trevor Campbell. A consummate professional, Big T was one of the best in the business. Candy & Trev will be spinning the discs in heaven!’

• Emma Heatherington @EmmaLouWriter – ‘So sorry to hear about the loss of Big T, Trevor Campbell.

  A country music legend on our airwaves. May he rest in peace’