Linda Thorson

Actor teared up as she said: 'Just to hang up the phone and hours later, him be dead'

“He loved the cast… He was generous to a fault, I will never meet anyone like that.” “I never heard her say a bad word about anyone,” she said. He was so upbeat, all these plans.” Appearing on Good Morning Britain on Thursday (30 March), actor Thorson spoke about her friendship with O’Grady. “He was absolutely over the moon,” Thorson said.

GMB's Susanna Reid was forced to step in an apologise for her language.

"He exploded through the daft, made-up rules of society. She explained that she "can't believe" the iconic BBC 2 presenter is no longer with us. "He was just a friend. She then said: "He was a king among men. Susanna stepped into apologise before Linda said: "He could just not stand [the Conservative] Party and what they've done, he was very outspoken." Opening up to Susanna Reid and Adil Ray, she said: "He would have tea with the Queen.

Actress Linda Thorson appeared on the ITV breakfast show to pay tribute to her best friend, Paul O'Grady.

In a statement, [his husband André Portasio](https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/paul-ogradys-love-life-first-22415507) said: "It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening. From April 2009 to August 2022, he presented his own two-hour long programme on BBC Radio 2 called Paul O'Grady on the Wireless. He will be greatly missed by his loved ones, friends, family, animals and all those who enjoyed his humour, wit and compassion." Referencing a conversation presenters Susanna Reid and Adil Ray had with the Secretary Of State for Energy Grant Shapps earlier in the programme, Linda recalled Paul's "caring" side and accidentally swore live on air. Linda, who played Tara King in the TV series, met the Lily Savage star on The Big Breakfast and said they gradually grew closer over the years. [his sudden death aged 67](https://www.examinerlive.co.uk/news/tv/what-happened-paul-ogrady-tv-26582921).

The Avengers star, 75, became emotional as she recalled Paul's final moments, saying he died in his own bed with his husband Andre Portasio beside him.

He added: 'It was around raising up the community, and when you move from a stage like this into the mainstream, when you move into breakfast f****** television... 'I was a stand-up and Paul came on the scene as Lily Savage and you were blown back. Paul O'Grady was an absolute legend of the community.' O'Grady also recalled his first heart attack in 2002 during an interview with The Times, when he said: 'I'd sort of been waiting for it... Linda Thorson began to tear up on Thursday's Good Morning Britain as she paid tribute to her friend Paul O'Grady after his death aged 67. He told The Mirror: 'I do count my blessings,' he said, according to The Mirror. My heart goes out to Andre, Paul's family, and friend. 'We were all lucky to have Paul in our lives. He later shared a touching tribute to his long-time friend and colleague. Paul O'Grady with his husband Andre Portasio who has been left bereft by the icon's death. My thoughts are with Andre, Paul's family and friends Farewell my friend x' He's only 41, he will be so bereft of Paul, he worshipped Paul.'

Tributes have been flooding in for the comedian, including from the Queen Consort, Sir Elton John and Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies.

He was just a friend. He was very magical and he was just… “He was a king among (men). He loved the cast, got along with everybody.” he was an entertainer.” She added: “He just…