Sir David Frost: TV veteran dies aged 74

David Cameron described him as “a friend and a fearsome interviewer” as others spoke of their deep admiration for Sir David, who died of a heart attack on the cruise ship Queen Elizabeth on Saturday night.

The remarks were echoed by some of the esteemed broadcaster’s famous interviewees, including former prime minister Tony Blair and former Liberal Democrat leader Sir Menzies Campbell.

The Prime Minister offered 
his condolences to Sir David’s widow Carina, adding: “Sir 
David was an extraordinary man – with charm, wit, talent, intelligence and warmth in equal measure.”

Mr Cameron said Sir David’s famous interviews with former US president Richard Nixon “were among the great broadcast moments”, but there were “many other brilliant interviews”.

Mr Blair fondly recalled interviews with the revered journalist and described news of his death as “very sad”.

Actor and comedian Stephen Fry expressed his shock on Twitter and said he last spoke to Sir David just two days ago.

“Oh heavens, David Frost dead? No!! I only spoke to him on Friday and he sounded so well. Excited about a house move, full of plans ... how sad.”

TV personality Esther Rantzen spoke movingly about her friendship with the late television presenter. “Fellow interviewers have always been awestruck by David Frost’s capacity to elicit memorable, sometimes historically significant quotes from all the movers and shakers or our time... but for all of us who had the pleasure of knowing him socially, it is his kindness, generosity, loyalty and humour that we will miss so much.”