Ben Shephard pays tribute to 'larger than life' Meat Loaf following his death aged 74

Ben Shephard paid tribute to Meat Loaf on Friday's Good Morning Britain as news broke that the legendary singer had passed away on Thursday night.

The actor and musician's wife Deborah released a statement saying: "Our hearts are broken to announce that the incomparable Meat Loaf passed away tonight with his wife Deborah by his side.

"Daughters Pearl and Amanda and close friends have been with him throughout the last 24 hours.

"His amazing career spanned 6 decades that saw him sell over 100 Million albums worldwide and star in over 65 movies, including “Fight Club”, “Focus”, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and “Wayne’s World.”“Bat Out of Hell” remains one of the top 10 selling albums of all time.

Ben Shephard paid tribute to Meat Loaf on Good Morning Britain as news broke that the legendary singer had passed away (ITV)

"We know how much he meant to so many of you and we truly appreciate all of the love and support as we move through this time of grief in losing such an inspiring artist and beautiful man.

"We thank you for your understanding of our need for privacy at this time. From his heart to your souls…don’t ever stop rocking!"

As he hosted Friday's show alongside Kate Garraway, Ben recalled a time when he had been lucky enough to hang out with Meat Loaf at a golfing event.

Meat Loaf's wife Deborah confirmed that the singer had sadly died at the age of 74 (Getty Images)

"Really, really sad news that Meat Loaf has passed away aged 74," Ben began, as Kate added that 74 is a "relatively young age".

Ben continued: "I was lucky enough to interview him a number of years ago and Meat Loaf came in and he was so much larger than life. In the end, we had to throw him out of the studio, he didn't want to go, he spent the whole time in the studio with us. It was an extraordinary performance."

"He virtually took over, I remember that very well," Kate replied.

Ben and his co-host Kate Garraway both recalled times when they both met and interviewed Meat Loaf (ITV)

"I've interviewed him as well and it's one of those things where he comes ready for a performance, doesn't he?

"He's not one of those people that is larger than life and extraordinary on stage and then you meet them in real life, and they're a little bit mousy and ordinary, he is absolutely right there, very loud as well," Kate added.

"Huge, he's huge in every way, his size, his scale, his noise," Ben replied.

"There was never any compromise and trust me, if you ever met him, there was no disappointment."

Good Morning Britain airs weekdays at 6am on ITV and ITV Hub.