Sounds Of The 60s broadcaster Brian Matthew dies aged 88

Matthew is known to radio listeners around the globe as the long-time presenter of "Top of the Pops" on the BBC World Service and the host of "Sounds of the Sixties" on BBC Radio 2 - the same network which announced his "death" on Wednesday afternoon.

A statement released on behalf of his family said the "beloved" Matthew died on Tuesday night.

His family got in touch with the BBC to say he "remains critically ill".

The BBC later tweeted from its breaking news feed: "BBC Radio 2 broadcaster Brian Matthew is not dead, but critically ill, ..."

"Brian was one of this country's most popular and best loved presenters, delighting millions of listeners with his memories and favourite tunes on Sounds of the 60s for 27 years", said Lewis Carnie, head of Radio 2.

While the BBC insisted that the decision was "mutual", Matthews later claimed that he was pushed out.

"Nobody believes this today, but there was a ration called "needle time" which meant, although we were doing a two hour programme, we were only allowed to play eight records each week".

The statement added: "We will update with more information when we have it".

As it happens, the BBC made a similar mistake last month.

BRIAN Matthews has passed away at the age of 88.

Mr. Matthew was a long-time presenter on BBC domestic radio, but also worked on Radio Luxembourg and the British Forces Network in Germany in the 1960s.

The radio star, who has broadcasted for the BBC since 1954, died last night, his family has confirmed.

Then from 1978 until 1990 he hosted the Radio 2 arts programme Round Midnight before finally moving to Sounds of the 60s.

In 1990 he received a Broadcasting Press Guild award for his outstanding contribution to radio.