Ambrose Harcourt dies: family pays tributes to 'Mr Lurve'

Ambrose, who lived in Worthing and was also known as ‘Mr Lurve’, hosted radio shows for more than five decades on the airwaves across Sussex and the South of England.

He died at St Barnabas Hospice in Worthing, with his family by his side, on Wednesday (August 31).

Ambrose’s family have paid tribute to the ‘most loving, caring and inspirational’ person who ‘always had time and a hello for everyone’, adding: “He will be greatly missed as a husband, father and grandfather.

“We have been touched by the kind words and recollection of so many stories from those that knew him and it’s clear that he touched so many people’s lives for the better.

“The family are so proud for what he represented to everyone through his charity and radio career.”

How Ambrose Harcourt made his name – with fruitful advice from Simon Mayo

Ambrose, whose real surname was Obiajulu, came over to the UK from Nigeria alone to complete his education as the eldest child of a large family in 1964 – first to Norwich and then on to Kings Lynn.

His love of music began at college in 1969, where he and some close friends set up a company that ran events and concerts.

This opened up opportunities and Ambrose started his DJ career in pubs and clubs across the East of London which developed into hospital radio at St George’s in Tooting.

On relocating to Sussex, Ambrose joined Southlands Hospital Radio in 1982.

It was here that he met radio presenter Simon Mayo, who told Ambrose to apply for a new station that was launching.

From there, Ambrose took on the stage name ‘Harcourt’, originating from the Nigerian city of Port Harcourt.

By this time, Ambrose had settled in Worthing with his family and joined Southern Sound in 1986.

His unique voice and delivery went on to see him become one of the most well-known and much loved presenters across the south.

The station, which later became Southern FM and then Heart FM, featured Ambrose’s shows; Soul Direction; The Love Hour; Night-time Heart and Soul and the Love Zone, with the infamous Love Bites Top 3 becoming ‘compulsive listening’, his family said.

Ambrose also broadcast on other stations across Sussex and the south, including Juice FM, Arrow FM, Sovereign FM and more recently on Regency Radio – a station which he helped launch in Brighton.

Jay Jackson, of Regency Radio, said: “Ambrose leaves behind a hole in Regency Radio that will never be filled, nor could anyone fill it.

"The whole team are devastated by the sad news.

"He was a wonderful human being; he wanted only the best for everyone and would go out of his way to help up-and-coming presenters achieve their dream of being on the radio.

"Ambrose was a director at Regency and instrumental in making it the success it has become.”

Passion for football saw starring role as one of the greats

Over the years, Ambrose also worked in other areas of entertainment including at the BBC on BBC1, BBC2 and Radio Five Live as a continuity announcer, on ITV Meridian and Sky UK Living presenting the series of Looking for Love.

This was filmed in Brighton and other Sussex locations.

Ambrose also played the part of Brazilian football icon Pele in a recent TV advertisement alongside Arsenal footballer Gabriel Jesus.

Away from music, Ambrose’s other passion was his football team Chelsea and he was a season ticket holder for more than 30 years.

Ambrose was involved with numerous charities over the years with two being very close to him having worked with them for more than 20 years.

He served as vice president for Chestnut Tree House – the only children’s hospice in Sussex – and St Barnabas House, a hospice providing

palliative care. This where Ambrose was cared for in his final days.

Ambrose’s family said he worked tirelessly for these charities with many fundraising activities including a cycle challenge and a remarkable five-day trek along the Inca Trail in Peru, raising £143,000.

Ambrose completed this challenge shortly after undergoing gruelling treatment for his illness in 2019.

He also worked with The Princes Trust, British Heart Foundation, Cancer Research, Scope, Mencap among many other charities.

Regency Radio’s Jay Jackson added: "We will continue his good work in his name by naming our new studios after him once built, he will never be forgotten and always in our hearts.”

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