David Travis (1952 or 1953 – December 2025), known professionally as Dave Monk, was a British television and radio broadcaster, best known for his work at BBC Radio Essex and BBC Look East. Monk was also a Deputy Lieutenant of Essex.[1]
Dave Monk | |
|---|---|
| Born | David Travis 1952 or 1953 Southend-On-Sea, Essex, England |
| Died | December 2025 (aged 72) Chelmsford, Essex, England |
| Career | |
| Station | BBC Radio Essex (1986–2023) |
| Style | Presenter |
Career
editBefore joining the BBC, Monk spun the decks around the 1970s and 80s Essex nightclubs with his infamous "Mad Monk" act while also working as a law lecturer. Monk also co-owned a wine bar for several years and managed to continuing running his law practice, as a trained solicitor, in the early days of his radio career.[2] He then joined BBC Radio Essex and presented various different programmes on the station, starting out on the breakfast show. Monk interviewed well known faces throughout his career, including Dame Vera Lynn and Sir Paul McCartney. He broadcast for the final time before retiring in September 2023, concluding his show with the song Goodbye-ee by Dudley Moore and Peter Cook. In his final link, he told his listeners: "Look after yourself, have a lot of fun, and don't forget, the more you laugh, the more you live. Goodbye." Monk supported various charities throughout his career, including Havens Hospices, Stow Maries Great War Aerodrome, Parkinson's UK and Colchester men's health charity CHAPS. He was patron of Remus Horse Sanctuary and Open Road, a drugs and alcohol recovery service. Monk was also known for his involvement with events like the Dunmow Flitch Trials and the Essex Book Festival. Monk was a Governor of the North Essex Partnership NHS Foundation Trust and a Director and Trustee of Disability Essex. Monk previously wrote a column for the Essex Life Magazine. Monk wrote a book called Whatever happened to Dave Monk? released 18 September 2025, on Amazon.[3]
Personal life and death
editMonk was born in Southend-on-Sea, Essex and moved at age 10 to the White Horse Inn, Ramsden Heath where his parents became publicans. Whilst living there, Monk developed his love of music and theatre. He was married to his wife Caroline. Monk attended King Edward Vl Grammar School, Chelmsford and thereafter gained an honours degree in Law from the University of London. He qualified as a Solicitor and moved into Law Lecturing.Dave Monk - Echo-News.co.uk[4]
On 5 December 2025, it was announced he had died in Farleigh Hospice after previously being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2024. He was 72. Tributes from listeners and colleagues were shared on social media. Robert Thompson, interim director of production at BBC Local, said Monk was the "voice of Essex" and had a "remarkable impact on the county. From solicitor to broadcaster, there was nothing Dave couldn't do, and he taught us all to grab hold of every opportunity and go after it".[5] A special tribute programme was broadcast on BBC Radio Essex on the same day.[6]
Awards
editIn 2008, Monk was appointed a Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Essex in recognition of his community and charity work.[7]
References
edit- ^ "BBC radio presenter reveals terminal diagnosis". BBC. 20 November 2025. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ^ "Tributes paid to 'voice of Essex' radio presenter". BBC News. 5 December 2025. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ^ "Tributes paid after death of BBC presenter who was 'voice of Essex'". Essex Live. 5 December 2025. Retrieved 5 December 2025.
- ^ "Exclusive interview with BBC Essex legend Dave Monk as he bows out after nearly four decades". Maldon News. Maldon Nub News. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ "BBC presenter given terminal diagnosis as fans rush to support him". Daily Express. 25 November 2025. Retrieved 27 November 2025.
- ^ "BBC Essex Special - Remembering Dave Monk". BBC Sounds. BBC Sounds. 20 September 2023. Retrieved 20 September 2024.
- ^ Deputy Lieutenants of Essex