Tributes are continuing across Somerset following the death of former BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Radio Bristol presenter Emma Britton.

The much-loved broadcaster, who grew up near Bridgwater and became one of the West Country's best-known local radio voices, died peacefully at Musgrove Park Hospital in Taunton on Saturday, 23 May, surrounded by loved ones.

Emma, who grew up in Cannington near Bridgwater, was one of the best-known voices on local radio in Somerset and Bristol. She hosted breakfast programmes on both BBC Radio Somerset and BBC Radio Bristol and was widely praised for her warmth, humour and connection with listeners.

Gareth Roberts, executive editor at both stations, described her as "a genuine, warm presenter" who was "an amazing colleague and a great friend to many".

Stephanie Marshall, Head of BBC West, called Emma "a true force of nature".

Emma often described herself as "a guest who never went home" when talking about her radio career.

She first appeared on BBC Radio Somerset to discuss her work as "Extra-Large Emma", a plus-size inclusive fitness instructor. Her broadcasting talent was quickly spotted and she went on to work as a programme assistant, producer and travel reader before becoming presenter of the station's morning show in 2009.

In 2013 she took over the breakfast programme before moving to BBC Radio Bristol in 2016 to host its breakfast show.

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Away from the studio, Emma became well known across Somerset through community events, outside broadcasts and charity fundraising. She helped raise tens of thousands of pounds for good causes during her broadcasting career.

In 2020, she stepped back from full-time radio to focus on work as a funeral celebrant supporting local families, although she later returned to BBC Radio Somerset to cover programmes on the station.

Emma publicly shared her cancer diagnosis after learning in April 2025 that she had ALK-positive lung cancer, a rare genetic form of the disease that commonly affects non-smokers.

Despite her diagnosis, she continued supporting bereaved families and became a campaigner for greater awareness of the illness. She raised thousands of pounds for the charity ALK+ UK, including through a sell-out charity ball, and spoke at two major cancer conferences in Europe during her final weeks.

Her family said she had suffered a stroke three weeks before her death.

In their statement, they wrote: "With hearts full of love and loss, we share the news that our beloved Emma has left us.

"As you know, Emma was diagnosed with stage 4, incurable ALK-positive cancer last year and had been sharing her treatment journey with her usual openness, determination and honesty.

"Out of the blue, she suffered complications three weeks ago, when she had a stroke. Sadly, it was just too much."

Emma was also a passionate supporter of Bridgwater Guy Fawkes Carnival and served for many years as an Associate Member of Bridgwater Carnival Committee.

Born on 24 February 1974, she attended Cannington Primary School and Haygrove Secondary School. She is survived by her husband John — affectionately known to listeners as "my John" — alongside her parents Reg and Jackie and Billy the Beagle.

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