DAWN French and Jason Manford have paid a heartbreaking tribute to the “quietly magnificent” publicist Neil Reading.
The entertainment industry heavyweight died aged 56 following a short illness.
Mr Reading, one of Britain’s best-known showbiz publicists, represented a glittering roll call of stars including French, John Cleese and the late Victoria Wood.
His sudden death has prompted an outpouring of grief from the celebrities and friends whose careers he helped champion.
The founder of Neil Reading PR was behind a string of West End hits, including High Society, Only Fools And Horses and Fawlty Towers – The Play.
But for French, Mr Reading was far more than the man handling her publicity.
She said: “Neil Reading was a one-off, such a kind, decent, intelligent man, a proper gentleman in the old-fashioned way, quietly magnificent.
“Our work relationship became a very real and trusting friendship.
“He has been my ally and fierce protector through so much and for so long. I don’t quite know how I’ll manage without him. Sleep tight darlin’ heart.”
Comedian Jason Manford also revealed the devastating depth of their nearly two-decade friendship.
He said: “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’s star-studded client list also included John Bishop, Sir Lenny Henry and Paul McKenna.
Bishop said: “Neil was a true gentleman. He was too humble to realise how much he meant to people and I know he will be greatly missed.”
McKenna said: “Neil was one of the finest people I’ve ever known.”
Businessman Nick Candy, who was a close friend of Mr Reading, said the publicist’s impact stretched far beyond the spotlight.
He said: “Neil wasn’t just a brilliant publicist – he was a true friend and one of the kindest, most generous people I have ever known.”
Mr Reading launched his agency in 1992, building it into a formidable entertainment, consumer and lifestyle PR operation.
The company later expanded into business, property and fashion, while forging links with agencies across Europe and the United States.
Through decades at the heart of showbiz, Mr Reading became a trusted figure behind some of Britain’s biggest names and productions.
He is survived by his wife Claire and daughter Rosa.
Mr Reading’s career was built on a knack for turning famous names into headline-makers, long before social media transformed the publicity game.
He struck out on his own in 1992 at just 22, quickly building an agency around personal publicity and an increasingly glittering roster of household names.
By 1997, he was representing stars including Jonathan Ross, Michael Flatley, Jack Dee, Lee Evans and Ben Elton, while also working with clients outside showbiz.
His agency went on to become a formidable force behind some of Britain’s biggest entertainment launches.
In his 1997 Independent interview, he described personal PR as his “first love”.