Candy Devine: tributes as former Downtown Radio household name passes away in Australia
Tributes have been pouring in for Candy Devine, one of Northern Ireland’s best known radio personalities, who has passed away.
The 85-year-old, who was also a talented singer, died in her native Australia.
Candy was one of the first presenters for Downtown Radio station when it went on air in March 1976. She was to become a familiar voice to radio listeners across Northern Ireland for decades.
Content Director Stuart Robinson said: "Candy was a household name on radio in Northern Ireland having been with Downtown from launch in 1976 right through until her retirement in 2013.
"Candy was a great broadcaster and communicator and was an inspiration to many aspiring broadcasters coming up through the radio industry.
"Having grown up listening to Candy, it was a great honour to work with her at Downtown."
Former colleague John Rosborough paid tribute on X describing Candy as "a wonderful colleague and outstanding broadcaster”.
UTV’s Paul Clark said: “Really sorry to hear about the death of Candy Devine. What a lady… what a tremendous communicator and broadcaster. Candy also worked with the legendary animated film director, Don Bluth. In the movie, All Dogs Go To Heaven, her voice was used for Vera, a female gambling dog!”.
Johnny Hero added: “So sorry to hear about the passing of Candy Devine. A great broadcaster, a true professional and a very talented lady. She was a great friend to many of us in the industry and will be greatly missed.”