Original Coverage & Source Attribution: www.dailystar.co.uk
Dawn French and Jason Manford have shared heartfelt tributes to a dear friend after news broke that the “massively respected and loved” figure has sadly passed
Dawn French was heartbroken(Image: Getty)
Dawn French has shared a heartfelt tribute online after a prominent figure in UK showbiz died. Her dear friend, publicist Neil Reading, has passed away aged 56 after a brief illness.
Taking to Instagram, the Vicar of Dibley actress wrote: “This beautiful chap Neil Reading @neilreadingpr was my press representative and fierce protector. We worked together to promote work stuff for 30 odd years or more.. but along the way, we forged a profound friendship, based on trust & respect. He was there for me and my family in many tricky moments and he helped me in ways I will never forget.”
She continued: “We shared tons of laughs and I learned so much from him… (although I didn’t ever manage to master the filter button…) Most of all though, his intelligent & measured calm was a salve to my fears.”
A number of UK celebs have been left heartbroken by Neil’s death(Image: Family handout/PA)
“We never EVER had a conversation either on the phone or in person, that didn’t include his utter love for his beautiful wife and beloved daughter. NOTHING mattered more, and he constantly reminded me about what really counts. He balanced me. He guarded me. He was massively respected and loved.”
“I can’t quite believe I’m referring to him in the past. Not sure how to be without him. Heartbroken. Bye Neil. You darlin man..” reports the Express.
Comedian Jason Manford also took to social media to say: “Describing Neil as my PR manager does not come close to describing what he meant to me. He was a trusted friend of almost 20 years, a confidant and one of the most loyal, noble and brilliant men I have ever known.”
Mr Reading worked with a huge roster of celebrities including French, John Cleese and the late Victoria Wood. Mr Reading’s high-profile clientele also featured John Bishop, Sir Lenny Henry and Paul McKenna.
Neil worked with some seriously famous UK celebs(Image: Reading family/PA Wire)
His unexpected passing has sparked an overwhelming wave of tributes from the celebrities and friends whose careers he helped nurture. The founder of Neil Reading PR was the driving force behind a number West End successes, including High Society, Only Fools And Horses and Fawlty Towers – The Play.
Mr Reading established his agency in 1992, transforming it into a powerful entertainment, consumer and lifestyle PR powerhouse. Mr Reading became a respected figure supporting some of Britain’s biggest personalities and productions.
Join Gold Star!
Gold Star is the latest chapter in the evolution of the Daily Star. Our ‘premium’ digital service has launched, offering you even more of our brilliant journalism but with even fewer adverts.
And if you do, this is what you’ll get:
– A new ad-lite subscription service offering unlimited access to Gold Star and our app, as well as a cleaner viewing experience with far fewer ads
– Access to exclusive subscriber-only articles crafted specifically for readers who want their stories to dig a little deeper. This will include unique insight from our writers alongside thought-provoking comment
– Bespoke special offers, rewards and competitions from our partners
– Access our Gold Nuggets, the juiciest picks from the Daily Star – no digging required!
– The most fun you can have with a daily news brand anywhere in the world!
Membership starts at £1.99 a month or £12 for the year. These are both Gold Star launch offers for the next 12 months so make sure you don’t miss out.
Click on this article to subscribe
