BBC Radio Wales presenter Chris Needs has died at the age of 68, following a short period of ill health. 

The radio host was best known for presenting the Friendly Garden late-night phone-in show on the station for the last 18 years. 

BBC Wales confirmed Chris had died from a heart condition on Sunday, having presented his final show on Friday evening.

In a statement, it said: “It is with enormous sadness and regret that we confirm the death of Chris Needs following a short period of ill health.

“Through his Friendly Garden, Chris brought pleasure and comfort to thousands of listeners, from all over the world, who treated him like a true friend.”

Chris joined BBC Radio Wales in 1996, later talking over the late-night weekday slot, which was known for his mix of lighthearted and sober on-air exchanges with regular callers, with a large proportion of them being elderly.

Radio Wales’s editor Colin Paterson described Chris as “a true broadcasting legend”.

He said: “His contribution to Radio Wales can’t be underestimated, not least in recent months when he has provided comfort and companionship to our listeners.

“And for almost 20 years, the Friendly Garden has brought people together from across Wales and the world, from every walk of life. The ability to bring people together was one of his many strengths and I know the Garden team, along with all of us at Radio Wales will miss him.

“But our thoughts today are with Chris’s husband Gabe, his family and his friends at this incredibly sad time.”

Chris was born in Cwmafan, Neath Port Talbot, in 1954, and was also a classical pianist and actor.

In 2005, he was awarded an MBE by the Queen during a ceremony at Buckingham Palace.

Radio 1 DJ Greg James was among those who paid tribute on Twitter. 

The breakfast show host wrote: “Such sad news. Sending all our love from Radio 1. Loved featuring Chris on my show over the years. And it was an honour to have been welcomed into the Friendly Garden.”