Tributes to radio presenter who 'made Merseyside laugh'

Tributes have been paid to former Radio Merseyside producer and presenter Wally Scott who has died.

Mr Scott worked for more than 40 years in radio and television and became a household name after co-hosting radio quiz Hold Your Plums with his on-air partner Billy Butler.

He died on Tuesday after a long illness, Mr Butler announced in a statement on social media.

Mr Butler said he was "an inspiration to work with" and the pair were "always laughing".

“It is with deep regret and much sadness that I have to announce the passing of my close friend and colleague Wally Scott who passed away peacefully yesterday morning after a very long illness," he said.

"Wally was my friend and work mate for over 40 years on radio and TV."

As well as radio shows, the pair did over 60 TV programmes together as well as sell-out live shows at Pontins and theatre at the Empire Theatre in Liverpool, the Floral Pavilion and Liverpool's Philharmonic Hall.

Over his career, Mr Scott worked as a journalist and produced shows on Radio City, Radio Merseyside, Magic FM and Liverpool Live.

"He was an inspiration to work with and a huge influence on my career, we never had a cross word and we had the best chemistry together always laughing," Mr Butler said.

"I am so grateful for having met him and having him in my life and I will miss him so dearly."

Former BBC Radio Merseyside station editor Mick Ord also paid tribute, describing Mr Scott as a "really gifted radio producer who genuinely cared about the audience and keeping them entertained and informed".

In a post on X he reflected on Mr Scott's "cracking sense of humour with legendary Billy Butler".

BBC Radio Merseyside presenter Tony Snell described him as "master of his craft" and a "generous" man who cared deeply about his radio listeners.

Broadcaster Paul Rowley said in a a post on X that Mr Scott had given him his first radio break 50 years ago - covering non-league football in 1974.

"For decades he was Billy Butler's radio producer and co-host making Merseyside laugh," he said.

Broadcaster Neil Newton, who had known Mr Scott for over 30 years and worked with him across a range of radio shows, described him as "genius of radio".

"He was always the kindest, funniest, most generous man with the best laugh in the business," he said.

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