Legendary DJ Tony Fenton has died of cancer at the age of 53. The Today FM broadcaster had been diagnosed with prostate cancer last year and lost his battle with disease this week. In January, Fenton had previously spoken of his desire to return to work at the station, saying "I'm chomping at the bit, I really cannot wait. It'll be just me again, back on as normal". News of the tragic development broke on Twitter earlier today, with his friends and colleagues leading tributes to the radio icon.

"He was a pilot of the airwaves" Dave Fanning paying tribute to DJ Tony Fenton who has passed away. — Pat Kenny Newstalk (@PatKennyNT) March 12, 2015

Tony Fenton... a wonderfully kind and amazing guy. Very sad to hear of his passing. #RIP — Dan Hegarty (@talldanhegarty) March 12, 2015

Such sad news, he was an inspiration to us all & never matched! RIP to the legend that was Tony Fenton x #tonyfenton — Jenny Greene (@djjennygreene) March 12, 2015

Tony Fenton was a man who loved what he did and was so kind to everyone. #AlwaysAWinner — Damien MuÎley [ ☰ ] (@damienmulley) March 12, 2015

heartbroken to hear of Tony Fenton's passing. Audrey and I loved him very much. We had so many great times with him, so many — Tom dunne (@tomhappens) March 12, 2015

My god I just heard about TonY Fenton. What tragic heartbreaking news. — Niall Breslin (@nbrez) March 12, 2015

I'd always giggle when Tony Fenton rang our office. To hear that voice when you pick up the phone... it never got old! And always so lovely. — Jean Hannon (@J_ontherocks) March 12, 2015

Horrible news about Tony Fenton today. Fond memories of the Hot Line on 2fm when I was growing up... RIP Tony... — Shane Gillen (@GillenShane) March 12, 2015