Linda Thorson issued a passionate tribute to her close friend, Paul O'Grady, on today's Good Morning Britain.
The 75-year-old star is renowned for her role as Rosemary King in Emmerdale and Tara King in The Avengers. She told broadcasters, Susanna Reid and Adil Ray, how she was in shock as she chatted to the Birkenhead icon just hours before he died on Tuesday.
She said: "Paul rang me at 3pm on Tuesday and we spoke for an hour. One of the best conversations we've ever had."
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The Lily Savage star was on a tour of the UK as part of Annie - and Linda said Paul was eagerly looking forward to the future. She said: "He was over the moon, he loved the cast, got along with everybody. He was so upbeat with all these plans."
She later added: "I can't believe it. Just to hang up the phone and hours later for someone to die who was so happy, who was full of life. He died in his own bed and his husband was there."
Paul's love of Linda's 1960s show was the initial spark for their friendship. Linda was emotional as she revealed the strength of their close bond and credited Paul with saving her life when she contracted coronavirus in 2020.
She said: "He was a king among men...He cared about me and I felt that". Viewers following the show on Twitter praised Linda's moving tribute.
Olwyn commented: "So emotional and what a great tribute to a great man."
Jane tweeted: "What a beautiful and touching interview and tribute"
Angela posted: "What a lovely passionate lady she really loved Paul O'Grady. Had me in tears."
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