Susanna Reid forced to apologise as Avengers actress Linda Thorson swears in tribute to best friend Paul O’Grady on GMB
SUSANNA Reid was forced to apologise after Avengers actress Linda Thorson swore during an emotional tribute to best pal Paul O’Grady on Good Morning Britain.
The film star, 75, opened up on the pair’s close bond following the broadcaster’s tragic death at 67 on Tuesday.
On Thursday’s GMB, Linda revealed the pair’s first meeting, on a bed on TV show The Big Breakfast, and told how there was a “mutual admiration”.
She then opened up on spending numerous Christmas’ with Lily Savage star Paul and added: “He lived each day as if it was his last.
“And yesterday was his last.”
Yet as her talk turned to the government, and a recent chat by Secretary Of State for Energy Grant Shapps which had aired on the show, she let slip foul language.
She said: “Paul would have hated all that bulls**t we have just had to listen to.”
Susanna quickly swerved in: “Apologies for that use of language.”
Earlier in the chat, Linda recalled the pair’s final phone call.
She said: “Paul rung me on Tuesday at 3pm and we spoke for an hour.
“It was one of the best conversations we have ever had.”
She told how Paul was “absolutely over the moon” following a stint in the stage production of Annie.
The Tara King actress added: “He was so upbeat – he had all these plans.”
Fans were quick to react to Canadian Linda’s interview, with one writing on Twitter: “Linda Thorson’s got me welling up again. He really was one in a million. We’ll all miss him.”
Another added: “Linda Thorson just gave a very real & passionate tribute to her close friend Paul O’Grady. What a wonderful kind man he was. He seemed to give so much to others.”
Yesterday, a host of celebrities paid tribute to Paul.
Paul’s husband of 11 years Andre Portasio announced his death in the early hours of Wednesday morning, saying: “It is with great sadness that I inform you that Paul has passed away unexpectedly but peacefully yesterday evening.
“We ask, at this difficult time, that whilst you celebrate his life you also respect our privacy as we come to terms with this loss.
“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’s cause of death is yet to be confirmed, but he had struggled with his health in recent years and had recently taken on as much work as possible after he felt forced to quit his BBC Radio 2 show.
The Brit personality made a name for himself in comedy, and television – and later became known for his love of dogs.