Bobby Davro thinks he's 'one of the last people to speak to' Freddie Starr

Bobby Davro appeared on Good Morning Britain on Friday 10 May to pay tribute to the late comedian Freddie Starr, discussing everything from his favourite skits of his to the touching phone call they shared not so long ago.

Talking to hosts Kate Garraway and Ben Shephard, the former EastEnders actor said that he had learned Starr was living in Spain while performing “a couple of gigs” over there late last year.

Read more: Russ Abbot leads tributes to comedian Freddie Starr

Despite knowing that the 76-year-old had become somewhat of a recluse who "pushed people away," Davro recalled how keen he was to see his friend and how he tried to meet up with him during that time.

“I got in touch with him, I found his number and phoned him up,” he remembered.

“At first he didn't really feel like talking and called me back.

“He said, 'How you doing Bob' and I said, 'Alright, how are you Freddie? Would you like to meet up for a cup of tea? I'm in town.' And he said, 'No, I've not been too well'.”

Davro went on to add that he “could have been one of the last people to speak to” Starr, who was found dead by his carer at his home in Fuengirola on Thursday 9 May.

Davro went to suggest that Starr’s deteriorating health was evident “just by looking at the pictures” but stated that he’d rather “Freddie that we all remember” and appreciate his long career as an entertainer.

“The greatest thing about Freddie was that he was the most naturally funny man I’ve ever seen. He had funny bones,” he gushed.

Davro isn’t the only one who has sung Starr’s praises in the light of the news.

Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden took to Twitter to pay her respects, writing: “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.”

Read more: Bobby Davro ‘kicked in the stomach’ during car park

Television presenter Les Dennis described Starr as “a true clown who could also sing like Elvis” and “was so exciting to watch live”.

He added: “A total one off. RIP.”

Elsewhere, former professional boxer Barry McGuigan said: “So sad to hear of the passing of the great Freddie Starr. RIP, Freddie was a comic genius, he was incredibly funny and so versatile.

“His skit with Muhammad Ali on Parkinson was simply hilarious. Deepest sympathies to his family.”