Tributes paid after death of BBC's 'Producer Andy'

Tributes have been paid to long-serving BBC Radio Leeds journalist Andrew Evans, who died suddenly at the age of 57.

The father-of-two, who had worked at the BBC for 30 years, was known to audiences as "Producer Andy".

Andrew, who produced the breakfast show presented by Rima Ahmed, died on 21 June while on holiday in France.

Simon Monk, executive editor of the station, described him as "a natural in every way and a thoroughly, thoroughly great person with it".

During his long career with the corporation, Andy had worked with and mentored numerous behind-the-scenes staff as well as presenters.

He had also worked as the station's news editor, covering some of the region's biggest stories, as well as spending time in Nigeria as part of a BBC World Service Trust outreach project.

Rima announced her friend and colleague's death during a pre-recorded segment on Wednesday's breakfast show.

She said: "It's with a deep sense of loss that I have to tell you that our beloved Andrew Evans died suddenly on Sunday... all of us here at BBC Radio Leeds are absolutely devastated."

The presenter, who had worked with Andy since 2022, also spoke about the love he had for his family.

"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," she said.

"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."

The presenter 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 you 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."

Andrew, a keen cyclist, brewer and West Bromwich Albion fan, was an "incredibly talented journalist", according to Simon.

He was "much, much more than a colleague or someone you worked with - he was our friend, our mentor, our go to when things got tough.

"We'll miss him forever," he added.

While working in Nigeria in 2006, Andrew's role was to oversee a team of trainers helping local people learn broadcast skills.

Jaldeep Katwala, who spent a year working with him in the country, said: "He brought everything he is to that role - he was kind, compassionate, never too harsh in his criticism, always ready to offer praise when it was due.

"A few weeks ago, I caught up with Andy again for the first time in 20 years in Leeds - still the same as ever.

"That same twinkle in his eye, that raised eyebrow - bringing back warm memories of Nigeria."

West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin called Andrew "truly one of a kind".

The politician, who spent time with him as part of the regular Message the Mayor slot in Leeds, said: "From settling my nerves before going on air, to making sure the voices of West Yorkshire were always heard, he did everything with a deep care for those around him.

"My heart goes out to Emma, Tom and Ollie, and to all of his colleagues at BBC Radio Leeds, who loved and will miss him dearly."

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