Long Boi statue at University of York unveiled by Radio 1 DJ

A bronze statue of the famous duck, thought to be an Indian Runner duck-Mallard cross, was revealed today on the University of York campus in front of hundreds of students and a radio audience of millions.

Greg, who presents the Radio 1 breakfast show,  became involved with Long Boi after his disappearance from the university, where he lived, in 2023 sparked international attention.

Whilst a body was never found, Long Boi was presumed dead with students leading a fundraiser to erect a statue in his honour.

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Seven hundred people and 4.4 million Radio 1 listeners, from as far afield as Japan, tuned in to the proceedings at Central Hall at the University of York to say their farewells to the long-necked duck - and for the grand reveal of the life-sized (71cm) sculpture crafted in his honour.

Students, staff, and alumni gathered in the hall adorned in official Radio 1 Long Boi shirts (which were sold to raise money for charity), cardigans adorned with ducks, and, in the case of some including Greg James himself, full mourning gear including veils.

The statue, created by wildlife sculptor Neil Mason, who started his career sculpting penguins, is one of two bronzes in the University's permanent collection - the other being by famous artist Barbara Hepworth - with students encouraged to rub his beak for good luck in exams.

Joan Concannon, director of external relations at the university, opened the ceremony, stating that she thought the event was amazing, surreal, and ‘quackers’.

She said: “I believe Long Boi left a mark on our hearts here in York. Long live Long Boi."

The crowds gathered for the reveal of Long Boi at University of York (Image: Alice Kavanagh)After a speech from the curator, the students' union officer team took to the stage to share stories of the duck’s legacy - with one member revealing her tribute tattoo and sharing that family members had called from India to ask about Long Boi after his disappearance was reported on international news.

In his eulogy, DJ Greg performed a take on the Lord’s Prayer – dedicating his words to ‘our Long Boi, who art in Yorkshire, legendary be thy name’ and asking listeners to forgive our ‘hoisins’.

He continued said: “Some people might not get why we are doing this today …. but silly things are important, silly things get us through the day and, look, silliness brings us together.

Greg James with fans at the University of York (Image: Staff)

“And our favourite animals get us through the day too.

“We love them because they show us the best of ourselves and when you get the chance to celebrate silliness and animals at the same time you have to seize it with both hands.”

There was also a celebrity tribute section which saw famous actor Andrew Garfield - famed for playing Spider-Man - and cricketer Jonny Bairstow, among others, declare their love for Long Boi.

Once the grand reveal was completed, those in the hall gathered to touch and take selfies with the bronze duck. (Image: Alice Kavanagh) The university 'quackapella' society took to the stage to perform two songs in the late duck’s honour - a parody of Chappell Roan's Hot to Go called Long Boi and a performance of Wiz Khalifa's See You Again – before the statue was revealed and the room began a minute of quacking as tribute.

After proceedings closed, attendees were invited to look at the sculpture up close – taking selfies with the duck and rubbing his beak for luck as a new academic year looks set to begin.

Before the ceremony, University of York vice chancellor Professor Charlie Jeffery said: “Long Boi was such an iconic figure here, so popular with students and we’ve got an absolutely packed-out commemoration ceremony, it’s going to be brilliant.

“I met Long Boi on a number of occasions.

“It was quite striking how engaging and friendly he appeared … Long Boi became a symbol of community, channelling the great spirit that we have at the university.”

After the statue unveiling, a tribute Viking-style funeral for Longboi was held, in which a large rubber duck was sent out into the university lake.