Former Downtown Presenter Candy Devine Dies At 85

Tributes have been paid to former Downtown Radio presenter Candy Devine, following her death aged 85.

The former broadcaster, who was one of the first presenters for the Northern Ireland station, passed away in her native Australia.

In 2014, she received an MBE for 'Services to Broadcasting and to the Community in Northern Ireland' and has been described as "an inspiration to many" by Downtown Content Director Stuart Robinson.

He said: "Candy was a household name on radio in Northern Ireland having been with Downtown from launch in 1976 right through until her retirement in 2013. "Candy was a great broadcaster and communicator and was an inspiration to many aspiring broadcasters coming up through the radio industry.

"Having grown up listening to Candy, it was a great honour to work with her at Downtown."

Meanwhile, Candy's former colleague, John Rosborough, posted on X: "So very sorry to hear that Candy Devine has passed away. A wonderful colleague and outstanding broadcaster, she was loved by the local audience and much missed after she returned to Australia to be with her family."

Sky News correspondent and former colleague David Blevins also posted on X, stating: "Candy Devine was a saint of a woman. The term 'dulcet tones' was invented for her. I'll cherish the memories of the banter we shared when I read the news on her radio show. Safe home sister."

Picture: John Rosborough (@JRRadioNI) on X