Legendary BBC Radio 2 presenter with reputation for ruffling feathers dies as tributes flood in

Iconic BBC Radio 2 presenter Brian Hayes has died at the age of 87, after an illustrious career spanning over five decades - as tributes swiftly poured in.

Hayes, who was the son of a miner, from Perth, Western Australia , was the man behind some of the most influential radio of his time - and he once famously said that he looked at callers ‘as real people with something to say’.

The broadcaster made the move to Britain from Down Under in the early 70s, and continued his radio career in the UK, joining Capital radio as a producer when the station launched in 1973.

He then moved into a presenting role. But he made his name when he began presenting the morning interview and phone-in show on LBC radio.

The broadcaster had a controversial reputation for his gruff style with callers