Broadcasting faces including Tony Blackburn, Jo Whiley and Jeremy Vine turned up say their final goodbyes to veteran radio DJ Johnnie Walker today. The Sounds of the 70s show host died after a long illness at the age of 79 in December and his funeral took place today at St Peter’s Church in Shaftsbury, Dorset.
![[Johnnie Walker]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/GettyImages-187253579.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
Walker had worked in radio for 58 years and had been previously diagnosed with idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) – a chronic disease that causes irreversible scarring in the lungs. The DJ’s final Sounds Of The 70s show on BBC Radio 2 and his last episode of The Rock Show took place in October as he retired due to ill health and he died on New Year’s Eve.
Tony Blackburn wore a striped beige, red, yellow and brown scarf on top of a zip up cardigan and tie to the funeral today, while presenter Jo Whiley opted for a brown velvet jacket and black shirt. Meanwhile, Radio 2 host Jeremy Vine turned up in a purple shirt, blue patterned tie and black thick coat jacket, and Ken Bruce was also in attendance with his broadcasting friends.
![[Tony Blackburn arrives at the funeral of DJ Johnnie Walker at St Peter's Church in Shaftesbury, Dorset. Mr Walker, who hosted BBC Radio 2's Sounds Of The 70s and The Rock Show, died on 31 December, aged 79. Picture date: Friday January 17, 2025. PA Photo. See PA story FUNERAL Walker. Photo credit should read: Andrew Matthews/PA Wire]](https://metro.co.uk/wp-content/uploads/2025/01/SEI_236275170-b652.jpg?quality=90&strip=all&w=646)
TV presenter Suzi Perry also attended alongside Radio 2 presenter Bob Harris and John Inverdale. Non-broadcast celebrities also turned up to the 11am service to pay their respects, including Led Zeppelin rocker Robert Plant and actress Pippa Haywood. Walker’s widow Tiggy Walker wore a bright pink suit and black polar neck jumper, while the Black Dog rockstar left his curly grey hair down and wore a blue jacket and jeans.
