Tributes paid to ‘Mr Lurve’ Ambrose Harcourt

Friends and colleagues remember a ‘complete one-off’ who entertained generations over five decades on the radio.

Tributes have been paid to veteran Sussex broadcaster and DJ Ambrose Harcourt, who has died following a long illness.

Mr Harcourt, formerly of Worthing, died at St Barnabas Hospice, which he had supported over many years, on August 31. 

He worked in radio for more than five decades and was Vice President of Chestnut Tree House, which he helped to found. 

As well as being an avid supporter of Sussex charities, Mr Harcourt was a mentor to those starting careers in radio and has been praised for his caring, nurturing attitude to up-and-coming presenters.

With a distinctive, smooth voice and infectious smile, he touched the lives of all those he either entertained on-air or met in person. Generations grew up listening to his tunes and considered him part of their lives. Many expressed their heart-felt grief on his passing.

A spokesperson for Chestnut Tree House said: “Always generous with his time and steadfast in his support of local charities, Ambrose was always cheerful and positive, with a smile for everyone. He took on various fundraising challenges over the years for St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House – from walking and cycling to trekking the Inca Trail. 

“As well as raising vital funds for the hospices, he hosted and attended countless events, introduced people to the charity and provided counsel and friendship. He will be greatly missed.

“Ambrose has been an important part of St Barnabas and Chestnut Tree House for many years, and we will always be grateful for his kindness and support.

“Our thoughts are with Ambrose’s wife, Pauline, his family, and friends at this sad time.”

Fondly remembered by radio listeners as Mr Lurve, he kickstarted his career as a club DJ in London before becoming a broadcaster.

Born in Nigeria, he had moved to the UK in 1964. He found a passion for music while studying at college five years later and went on to form an events company with some like-minded friends.

Mr Harcourt volunteered his time to present shows on hospital radio before taking up a paid role with Southern Sound in 1986.

Soul Direction, The Love Hour and Night-time Heart and Soul were among his popular shows. 

He worked at Juice FM, Arrow FM, Sovereign FM, and was a familiar voice as a continuity announcer on BBC1, BBC2 and BBC Radio Five Live.

More recently, he was a director at Brighton’s advert-free Regency Radio, which he helped to establish. Staff at the station were said to be ‘devastated’ by his death and have praised the encouragement he gave all those trying to carve out their own careers in radio.

The station said on its Twitter account that it was ‘sad to announce the passing of our much-loved friend and colleague’. It has opened a Book of Condolences on its website for tributes.

Bob Hoad, Regional Account Manager at More Radio, said: “Southern FM was one of the most successful commercial radio stations in the U.K. Along with Danny and Nicky, Ambrose was one of its stars. Mr Lurve was so popular with the listeners both on air and at the many events he hosted. His enthusiasm for people was consistent whether it was Party in The Park or a small charity event.

“His personality was always effervescent, and I’m saddened to have lost a true friend, but he will remain in our hearts forever.”

Paying tribute, Ryan Heal said: “Ambrose was a complete one-off. A constant in my life for over 20 years. Our paths first crossed in the glory days of Southern FM when a decision to move him off air resulted in a mass protest and road closures all around the radio station – such was his huge popularity. EVERYONE just LOVED Ambrose! 

“Later in his radio career, during my time as MD of Juice FM, I brought Ambrose back to the airwaves and he was the only presenter we had to conduct a full press conference for when announcing his arrival.

“His warmth on air always shone through – he was a superb broadcaster and continuity announcer – just a shame he supported Chelsea! 

“His charitable work will no doubt be rightly highlighted but he was the very first Patron of Chestnut Tree House years before half of Sussex had even heard of it. It was his initial involvement and engagement that gave that great cause the platform in Sussex it enjoys today. That’s just one example of the legacy he leaves. 

“Further to working together for many years, we became very close friends. He DJ’d at my wedding, over 20 years ago, and saw my kids grow up – we shared some great memories together. I’ll miss him immensely – his laugh and smile were the constant signature to the joyous life he led. God bless my friend.”

Jack ‘The Lad’ Hayes, Head of programme delivery at Love Local Jobs Foundation, Breakfast Show Host More Radio, said: “I met Ambrose on a few occasions and our chats were always warm and engaging. Ambrose had the gift of always being interested in you and what was going on in your life. 

“The impact he had on radio in Sussex cannot and shouldn’t be understated in any way. If you are of my generation and have called Sussex home for as long as I have whether you were involved in radio or not you knew the name Ambrose Harcourt and you knew that he was all about LOVE! 

“What a legacy to leave to have people when they hear your name immediately think ‘Love’! Good job, Ambrose, enjoy the slow dances up there.”