Carol Vorderman in a state of shock as she shares | UK News

Carol Vorderman is mourning the loss of her long-time pal, leisure publicist Neil Reading. Taking to Instagram on Tuesday, the Countdown star wrote: “One of the best, and a friend for many years, Neil Reading died this morning after an illness. Neil was the best press agent who everyone loved and respected. We worked together on so many projects over decades. And, we laughed, always laughed.

“To be trustworthy, many of us are in a state of shock,” Carol continued. “Neil was a one off…I’ll miss our lunches so a lot, Neil, and I’ll miss your knowledge in the ‘never uninteresting’ industry we discovered ourselves to be a half of.”

The late publicist, who also represented John Cleese, the late Victoria Wood, John Bishop, and Lenny Henry, was also the founder of Neil Reading PR. Neil, who passed away at the age of 56, is survived by his wife, Claire, and their daughter, Rosa.

Responding to Carol’s heartbreaking post, a number of stars have paid tribute in the comments. “Oh no, Neil. Gorgeous man. One of the kindest chaps. I’m so sorry, Carol. Please ship my love to his pricey ones. [I] will raise a glass to the skies to him tonight,” replied DJ Zoe Ball. “Oh nooo. I am unable to imagine it. This is so unhappy. I first met Neil in 2000, many enjoyable reminiscences,” wrote radio presenter Jenni Falconer.

Dawn French, who worked with Neil, has released a statement of her own. “Neil Reading was a one-off, such a type, respectable, clever man, a correct gentleman in the old school manner, quietly magnificent,” she said.

“Our work relationship turned a very real and trusting friendship. He has been my ally and fierce protector through so a lot and for so long. I do not fairly know how I’ll handle without him. Sleep tight darlin’ coronary heart.”

Following suit, John Bishop added: “Neil was a true gentleman. He was too humble to realise how a lot he meant to people and I do know he might be significantly missed.”