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BBC Radio 3 announcer Patricia Hughes dies, aged 90 BBC Radio 3 announcer Patricia Hughes dies, aged 90
(about 1 hour later)
Former BBC radio announcer Patricia Hughes - one of the most distinctive BBC voices over several decades - has died at the age of 90.Former BBC radio announcer Patricia Hughes - one of the most distinctive BBC voices over several decades - has died at the age of 90.
Famed for her elegant tones, Hughes started at the BBC as a secretary in 1944, before appearing on what was then the "overseas service".Famed for her elegant tones, Hughes started at the BBC as a secretary in 1944, before appearing on what was then the "overseas service".
She later appeared on the Light Programme, the Home Service and the Third Programme, now known as Radio 3.She later appeared on the Light Programme, the Home Service and the Third Programme, now known as Radio 3.
In 1969, following a career break, she returned to Radio 3 until 1983.In 1969, following a career break, she returned to Radio 3 until 1983.
For many years, she was the only female announcer on the service. As well as introducing chamber music concerts, her duties also included reading news stories.For many years, she was the only female announcer on the service. As well as introducing chamber music concerts, her duties also included reading news stories.
'Utterly idiosyncratic''Utterly idiosyncratic'
In later life, she continued to use her vocal skills, recording a number of audiobooks.
She died on Friday at a nursing home in Winchester, Hampshire.She died on Friday at a nursing home in Winchester, Hampshire.
Her daughter, Emma Weston, said she had loved the BBC and her job.Her daughter, Emma Weston, said she had loved the BBC and her job.
Michael Berkeley, presenter of Private Passions on Radio 3, said she had been an "utterly idiosyncratic voice of Radio 3 for many years".Michael Berkeley, presenter of Private Passions on Radio 3, said she had been an "utterly idiosyncratic voice of Radio 3 for many years".
In Simon Elmes' book, Hello Again: Nine Decades of Radio Voices, Hughes described how she used to spend nights in the radio announcers' dormitory - which has since been converted into the Langham Hotel - and recalled one particularly memorable broadcast.In Simon Elmes' book, Hello Again: Nine Decades of Radio Voices, Hughes described how she used to spend nights in the radio announcers' dormitory - which has since been converted into the Langham Hotel - and recalled one particularly memorable broadcast.
She told the author: "By the mercy of God I'd remembered to take a diaphanous negligee to put over my nighties, which I didn't normally do.She told the author: "By the mercy of God I'd remembered to take a diaphanous negligee to put over my nighties, which I didn't normally do.
"I rushed down the stairs, tore across Portland Place into Broadcasting House and luckily with about three or four minutes to spare, got into the studio, very breathless. I read the news at nine. Then, at 10, I realised with appalling clarity that I was still in my nightdress, hair in all directions looking like nothing on earth.""I rushed down the stairs, tore across Portland Place into Broadcasting House and luckily with about three or four minutes to spare, got into the studio, very breathless. I read the news at nine. Then, at 10, I realised with appalling clarity that I was still in my nightdress, hair in all directions looking like nothing on earth."