SAD NEWS: Beloved BBC star d!es as devastated tributes flood in
Tributes have flooded in for the BBC announcer.
Glyn Lewis working at the BBC. (Image: Wales News Service)
BBC legend Glyn Lewis has died aged 53. He was known by viewers for his work as a TV announcer, with his voice frequently heard on BBC1 and BBC2 in Wales for over 27 years. Glyn, 53, was also recognised by his drag personas Edna Clouds and Sister Gloria Snockers. As Sister Gloria, he belonged to the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, the activist and charity-focused order that originated in San Francisco in 1979.
Gloria was a founding member of the Cardiff house, formed in 2017 and subsequently known as the House of the Chiffon Borg by 2020. The house operates within the LGBTQIA+ community to provide support, generate funds for charities, and promote sexual health awareness. In a statement, his family said: “We are devastated by the loss of Glyn. From a very young age, he refused to be defined, sauntering through life with a dry wit and a wicked look in his eye, spreading chaos and laughter like glitter.
Glyn Lewis – aka Sister Gloria Snockers aka Edna Clouds. (Image: Wales News Service)
“Generous, charismatic, talented and utterly irreplaceable. You could call him a force of nature but he wasn’t that. He was a force of Glyn. We are so proud of him.”
BBC Wales staff and individuals from throughout the LGBT+ community have been posting tributes and recollections of Glyn who was characterised as being “proudly and authentically himself” and who delivered “warmth, colour and kindness” to the workplace daily.
Interim director of BBC Wales Garmon Rhys said: “We are deeply saddened by the loss of Glyn Lewis. Glyn joined the BBC in 1995, beginning his career with BBC Radio Cymru before becoming a continuity announcer and director in TV Presentation.
“Over many years, audiences came to know and appreciate his recognisable voice, creative scripts and distinctive presence.
“Glyn was a deeply caring person, dedicated to delivering the very best on air and committed to supporting those around him. He was a welcoming and reassuring presence to colleagues, especially new members of the team, and was loved by everyone who worked with him.
“Proudly and authentically himself, Glyn brought warmth, colour and kindness to BBC Cymru Wales every day. He will be greatly missed.
“Our thoughts are with Glyn’s family, friends and loved ones at this difficult time.”
