Former Avengers star Linda Thorson was a dear friend of Paul O'Grady, who died on Tuesday at the age of 67, and the actress has revealed she spoke to the entertainer just hours before he passed away.
Good Morning Britain host Susanna Reid began: "You talked to Paul hours before you discovered that he'd died. What a terrible shock for you."
"It is," Linda replied. "Paul rang me on Tuesday, the day before yesterday, at three o'clock and we spoke for an hour. It must have been one of the best conversations we've ever had.
"He'd just come back performing in a new production of Annie performing in Newcastle and Edinburgh. He was heading down to Southampton in a few weeks and he'd heard from producers, they were going to bring it into town at Christmas time and he was actually over the moon."
"He loved the cast, he got on with everybody, he loved playing Miss Hannigan. He was so upbeat, all these plans," she continued.
Describing her beloved friend, she said: "He just lived every day of his life as if it was his last.
"He had such a light tough and I never heard him say a bad word about anyone. I never heard anyone say a bad word about him, ever. He brought energy into the room, he was very magical and he was just an entertainer."
Reflecting on the iconic presenter, who rose to fame performing as his drag persona Lily Savage, Linda told Susanna and GMB co-host Adil Ray that she "couldn't believe" Paul had died.
"I can't believe it," the actress said. "Just to hang up the phone and hours later for someone to die who was so happy, so full of life.
"But he died in his own bed, his husband was there, Andre the most divine man who he has been with for many years. He's only 41, he will be so bereft of Paul, he worshipped Paul."
On Wednesday, Paul's husband Andre Portasio 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."
The comedian was beloved by those in the showbiz industry with Amanda Holden describing Paul as "strong, funny, opinionated, no-nonsense, brilliant" while Lorraine Kelly added he was "funny, fearless, brave, kind and wise" and will be "sorely missed".
