Tributes have been paid to Lynda Shahwan, the co-host and creator of Terry Walton’s Plotcast, after she died in a car accident while on holiday in Canada with her family.
Lynda, who was 53 and from Heath in Cardiff, created and co-presented the popular BBC Radio Wales podcast alongside gardening expert Terry Walton.
The Plotcast explores allotment life on a Rhondda hillside, combining practical advice with personal conversations.
Terry Walton paid tribute to his colleague and friend, saying her death was a tragic and sudden loss. “We pass our sympathies on to Lynda’s husband Sharif, their two sons and all of the family on the tragic and sudden taking of Lynda from us far too soon,” he said.
“My last two years of working with Lynda on the Plotcast were the most fulfilling and cherished broadcasting I have done.
“Our chemistry and her creative talent made every episode a gem of gardening knowledge. Such fun whilst still being very informative.
“Her professionalism and easy-going manner made every recording a pleasure and brought the best out of us both. We became true friends and after recording we would both relax and discuss many aspects of life.”
BBC Radio Wales Head Carolyn Hitt also paid tribute to Lynda, describing her as a very special person who had made a brilliant impact on the station since joining in 1999. “For several years, Lynda was Roy Noble’s fellow presenter on his morning show, where he affectionately christened her ‘The Lily from Caerphilly’,” she said.
“More recently, Lynda was back in front of the mic once more, this time with Terry Walton, co-presenting and producing her fantastic passion project the Plotcast – just one of the many examples of her creativity and innovation.
“We are all devastated at Radio Wales at the sudden loss of our much-loved colleague and friend and our hearts go out to Lynda’s husband Sharif – who is also a much-loved colleague – their two sons and all their family and friends.”
Roy Noble added that Lynda’s legacy will always be remembered. “It was a sudden, sudden loss to them and something we in Radio Wales cannot process,” he said. “Her legacy will be always, always remembered.”
Listeners have also shared their sadness at the news of her death, describing her warmth, knowledge, and presence as irreplaceable.
