Recently, Carol paid a moving tribute to her BBC co-star Janice Long, who was best known as a presenter on BBC Radio 1, Radio 2 and Top of the Pops.
Her agent, Nigel Forsyth, confirmed the sad news that she died after a short illness at home on Christmas Day with her family, aged 66.
On 29 December, the day the news was announced, presenter Dan Walker began: “Carol is here this morning and we’re not only reflecting, Carol on the death of Archbishop Desmond Tutu but also someone I know you knew well, Janice Long.
“When I used to travel back from football matches, I used to love listening to her late at night on Radio 2.”