Graham Norton remembered Freddie Starr at BAFTA TV Awards

13 May 2019

Graham Norton paid tribute to the late Freddie Starr at the BAFTA TV Awards on Sunday night (12.05.19).

Graham Norton

The event's host remembered the late comedian following his tragic death aged 76 on Thursday (09.05.19) while also taking a moment to mention broadcaster Brian Walden after his death was announced the day of the ceremony.

Graham simply said: "Sadly, we've just heard that the broadcaster Brian Walden has passed away.

"And we also remember Freddie Starr, who died on Thursday."

His comments were met with applause from the star-studded audience before a montage was shown featuring stars who have passed away this year.

According to Freddie's autopsy, he died from a heart attack after having a history of heart problems.

He had previously suffered from coronary artery disease and had a quadruple bypass following a heart attack in 2010.

A number of famous faces spoke out to pay tribute to Freddie following the sad news of his passing.

Bobby Davro, 60, said "I've just heard that Freddie Starr has died. He was the funniest man I have ever seen. I'm so sad we have lost one of our greatest comedy talents. RIP Freddie. (sic)"

'Britain's Got Talent' judge Amanda Holden admitted that while his style may have "fallen out of comedy fashion and favour", people should still recognise his "once huge popularity and fame".

She wrote: "Sad to hear of Freddie Starr passing today.His style may have fallen out of comedy fashion & favour-but it's important to recognise his once huge popularity& fame.The outrageous & edgy parody's were infamous.I hope his legacy is not smalled down and he's remembered with a smile (sic)"

The star rose to fame in the early 1970s after appearing on TV show 'Opportunity Knocks' and the Royal Variety Performance, and went on to star in a number of his own shows including 'The Freddie Starr Show' and 'An Audience with Freddie Starr'.

He also presented the game show 'Beat The Crusher' and appeared on 'I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out of Here!' in 2011 - just a year after recovering from his quadruple bypass surgery - but he was forced to leave the jungle early following a suspected allergic reaction.