Mike Smith: Tributes paid to former Radio 1 DJ

Phillip Schofield, who worked with Smith's wife Sarah Greene on TV show Going Live!, called him his "wonderful, bright, funny, thoughtful friend".

"There are no words. @RealSarahGreene I'm so so sorry my darling," he said.

Fellow former Radio 1 Breakfast Show hosts Mike Read and Simon Mayo were also among those who paid tribute.

Speaking on BBC Radio 5 live, Mayo said: "He was the first Radio 1 presenter who could do almost anything - you could put him anywhere and he would shine and sparkle.

"He was a great DJ, he knew precisely what he was doing and was always in control."

Read said: "The news is just devastating. Sarah and Mike were a wonderful couple - it is truly horrible to hear.

"Mike was a very affable guy, fantastically business-like. It's a real loss and has come as quite a shock."

'Consummate broadcaster'

Smith spent six years at Radio 1 between 1982 and 1988, and fronted editions of Top of the Pops and hosted the BBC's coverage of Live Aid.

He was also well known for his TV appearances in the 1980s on the BBC's Breakfast Time, and The Late, Late Breakfast Show alongside Noel Edmonds.

Edmonds said he was "totally stunned and heartbroken for Sarah and his family".

"He was so much more than simply a presenter. Mike was that rare individual - the consummate broadcaster in an era when professionalism, dedication and hard work were truly valued," he said.

"I am typing this through the tears. I wish I had told him more forcefully and frequently how much I admired his talent and valued his support."