David Paradine Frost

Sir David Paradine Frost OBE has died from a heart attack at the age of age of 74 He had been giving a speech on the Queen Elizabeth on Saturday Forced President Nixon to admit involvement in Watergate Scandal Has been described a 'fearsome interviewer' by David Cameron Sir Michael Parkinson said he 'never said a nasty word' about anyone Veteran broadcaster Sir David Frost has died from a heart attack while on a luxury liner – far from specialized medical assistance. Sir David, 74, was on the Queen Elizabeth on its way from Southampton to Lisbon, preparing to give a talk later in the cruise about his career, when he collapsed on Saturday night. The Cunard line refused to say what emergency medical treatment he received on board. But NHS advice makes clear that only specialist hospitals are likely to have the facilities to treat major heart attacks. In particular, the ‘gold standard’ response involves a primary angioplasty – in which a wire frame called a stent is inserted to keep open a blocked artery – within two-and-a-half hours of an attack. It is thought unlikely that the small medical center on a cruise liner would have the equipment necessary for such a treatment. The Queen Elizabeth is understood to have two doctors on board and three nurses. Last night a Cunard spokesman refused to give details of Sir David’s treatment for reasons of confidentiality. ‘However, we have a full medical team on board and are well equipped to treat the range of patients that present from general practice complaints up to and including intensive care treatment and emergency medicine,’ she said. Sir David, who leaves three sons, Miles, 29, Wilfred, 28, and George, 26, was travelling alone, although his wife Lady Carina, 61, second daughter of the Duke of Norfolk, had accompanied him on previous cruises. A spokesman last night refused to detail repatriation plans, but the Queen Elizabeth is continuing to sail towards Lisbon, where it is due to dock tomorrow morning. It is likely that Sir David’s body will then be flown home. He said: 'When you think of all the stuff he was responsible for, never mind the Nixon interview and the two television companies he helped set up too, it's remarkable. 'He was just an extraordinary guy, non-judgmental in that he didn't bring any prejudices to his work. 'But it's not right to say he was a "soft" interviewer - he had a totally persuasive interview style which led to the unmasking of a scoundrel.' Sir David , who probably interviewed more world figures from royalty, politics, the Church, show-business and virtually everywhere else, than any other living broadcaster, was the most illustrious TV inquisitor of his generation. He not only won virtually all the major television awards available, but his professional activities were so diverse that he was once described as 'a one-man conglomerate'. Friends and colleagues from his 40-year career spoke of their shock at the broadcasters death. Stephen Fry wrote: ‘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.’ His interview with the doomed American President 'Tricky Dicky' Richard Nixon in 1977 was a TV classic. TV personality Esther Rantzen said: ‘I think 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 - presidents, prime ministers, A*list celebrities . ‘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.’ TV presenter Loyd Grossman described the 'irreplaceable' journalist as a ‘master of current events’, adding: ‘I can't think of any other broadcaster that can step into those very, very big shoes.’ John Cleese, whose career was arguably launched on Sir David's programme The Frost Report, said: 'I was very, very sad to hear of David's death. I had known him for 52 years and I was extraordinarily fond of him. 'He was always fun and kind and interesting and I never heard him make a mean comment about anyone. 'I owe a great deal of my professional career to David and I am very grateful for what he did for me. Life is going to feel rather diminished by the loss of his welcoming, cheery and optimistic voice.' Andrew Lloyd Webber tweeted: 'Farewell David, dearest friend. ALW.' Actor Michael Sheen, who played Sir David in Frost/Nixon told BBC News that the broadcaster 'was a huge part of life when I was growing up'. He added: 'Someone who when I did get to know him a little bit, and I even got to interview him at one point - he was as good an interviewee as he was an interviewer, he just radiated not only warmth as a person but enthusiasm for what he did. Mr Frost became famous after interviewing President Nixon. The politician was forced to admit that he had taken part in the infamous Watergate scandal Sir David became famous after interviewing President Nixon in 1977. The politician was forced to admit that he had taken part in the infamous Watergate scandal Former President Richard Nixon exhibited a range of expressions during his interview with David Frost Former President Richard Nixon exhibited a range of expressions during his interview with David Frost: 'He clearly loved doing what he did.' Politicians described a 'fearsome interviewer' who knew how to had a unique ability to disarm his opponent. Prime Minister David Cameron was quick to send his condolences, praising Sir David for being an 'extraordinary man with charm, wit, talent, intelligence and warmth in equal measure.' He added: 'My heart goes out to David Frost's family. He could be - and certainly was with me - both a friend and a fearsome interviewer.' Former British Prime Minister Tony Blair said: ‘Being interviewed by him was always a pleasure but also you knew that there would be multiple stories the next day arising from it.’ Former Lib Dem leader Sir Menzies Campbell hailed Sir David as a 'peerless' broadcaster. 'To be interviewed by David Frost was never a chore, even when trying to defend the indefensible,' he said. 'But his scrupulous and disarming politeness hid a mind like a vice. David Frost could do you over without you realizing it until it was too late.' A statement from his family said: 'His family are devastated and ask for privacy at this difficult time. 'A family funeral will be held in the near future and details of a memorial service will be announced in due course.'