Good Morning Britain's Susanna Reid recalled an interview with Paul O'Grady, who has died at the age of 67, where he opened up on suffering a cardiac arrest.
The performer and broadcaster died "unexpectedly but peacefully" on Tuesday his husband Andre Portasio confirmed.
Speaking about his friend and inspiration, GMB showbiz correspondent Richard Arnold praised the presenter as a "trailblazer".
Richard described Paul as "such a grafter" despite being plagued with "health issues" as he added: "He was always down the tinsel mines chipping away at every opportunity."
Susanna continued: "I remember he told us about those [health issues] when we interviewed him on the sofa about having a heart attack, cardiac arrest and leaving it before telling a doctor, almost like he didn't want to bother anybody about it."
Paying tribute to the comedian, Susanna touched on Paul's amazing work as an ambassador for Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
She said: "He was so funny and so compassionate and so loving and you just knew he'd go into Battersea Dogs & Cats Home week after week and would have to resist the urge to take one home and add to his menagerie in Kent."
In a statement, Paul's husband confirmed the presenter's death and said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
"He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion. I know that he would want me to thank you for all the love you have shown him over the years."
Paul rose to fame in the 1990s with his drag queen persona Lily Savage and went on to present Blankety Blank and other Saturday night entertainment programmes.
He went on to host a number of chat shows and also brought his love of dogs to the screen by highlighting the work of Battersea Dogs & Cats Home.
Paul recently had been on tour playing Miss Hannigan in the musical Annie and was due to present a new show on Boom Radio in less than two weeks time for Easter Sunday after leaving his weekly Radio 2 show in August 2022.
Good Morning Britain airs on ITV on weekdays at 6am.
