Bill Turnbull was texting his BBC Breakfast co-star Sian Williams just weeks before his death.
The telly legend died this week aged 66, almost five years after being diagnosed with prostate cancer, his devastated family confirmed.
He presented the early-morning programme from 2001 until 2016 and is known for his hilarious moments with co-star Sian.
They first met when Sian was working as a producer for BBC Radio 4 in the 90s and built a life-long friendship ever since.
The bond lasted until his final days and Sian has now revealed that they were talking just weeks before his tragic death on Wednesday, August 31.
“We all knew it was coming, Bill and I texted a few weeks ago,” she said on BBC Breakfast’s special tribute programme aired this morning.
She added: “Even though you know it's coming you're not prepared. I still can't believe he isn't here. He was positive the whole way through, every time he talked about it, he was typical of Bill. He contacted me to offer the recent condolences of my father.”
Diagnosed with cancer herself, Sian spoke openly about her “loyal” and “supportive friend”.
“When I was diagnosed with breast cancer, he was one of the first to reach out,” she said.
“When he was diagnosed with prostate cancer, he spoke really opening about having aches in his body and wishing he had spoken sooner.
“He was a private man but what he did saved lives, changed lives. It's such a lovely tribute, we're all thinking of Sesi and the kids this morning.”
Sian revealed that he had been hoping to return to presenting Classic FM soon.
She added: “He was great on that. There was always this going for the next thing, he kept the optimism and hope, it was inspiring.
“He didn't want to die dying. He wanted to celebrate. He wanted to make the most of every little last bit of it. Devoted to his family, he convinced me to get a dog.
“He had a very full life. He was an extraordinary man. He will be loving all this. We had each other's backs; breakfast is a team. It's collaborative.”
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