Radio presenter Grant Stott pays emotional on-air tribute to fellow panto star Andy Gray

Radio presenter Grant Stott has paid an emotional on-air tribute to his long-time panto and Fringe co-star Andy Gray following his death on Monday.
Grant Stott and Andy Gray appeared together in several Fringe shows, including Kiss Me Honey Honey.Grant Stott and Andy Gray appeared together in several Fringe shows, including Kiss Me Honey Honey.
Grant Stott and Andy Gray appeared together in several Fringe shows, including Kiss Me Honey Honey.

The broadcaster opened his show on Radio Scotland today by recalling his time working with the star, who was diagnosed with coronavirus several weeks ago, revealing that had appeared in some 1600 performances together

Stott also discussed how they had been hoping to return to the Fringe this year and also getting back on stage at the King’s Theatre in Edinburgh, where they had performed in the annual panto with Allan Stewart for years.

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Stott, who co-hosts The Afternoon Show with Janice Forsyth, told listeners how the star of River City, City Lights and Naked Video used to regularly send him messages and requests while he was on air.

Opening the show today, Stott said: “Before we start, I need to say a few words about a certain someone.

"It’s been a tough week for anyone who knew watched, worked with or loved Andy Gray, who we lost on Monday.

"I know Janice has already given him a wonderful tribute on the show yesterday, but I feel I should say something before we carry on today.

"Andy and I worked together with Allan Stewart in panto at the King's since 2000, we've been together at the Fringe since 2013, we’ve shared the stage over 1600 times, and we have had a ball.

Andy Gray and Grant Stott on stage together in the King's Theatre pantomime in Edinburgh.Andy Gray and Grant Stott on stage together in the King's Theatre pantomime in Edinburgh.
Andy Gray and Grant Stott on stage together in the King's Theatre pantomime in Edinburgh.

“That party was due to continue at the Fringe this year and again this Christmas at the panto back at our beloved King’s.

“But none of that will happen because Covid has taken Andy away from us far, far too soon. He had so much more to do and so many more laughs to give.

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“Allan, Jordan, myself, all his panto family at the kings, his daughter Claire, grand-daughter Anna, his partner Tamara, his sisters Elaine and Michelle, along with his entire Perth family and many many friends, and it's clear many of you, will miss him beyond measure."

Stott ended his tribute with a song he said Gray had been asking him to play recently, John Miles’ 1970s hit Music.

He added: "Andy popped up on The Afternoon Show regularly over the years as a contributor, as a guest and as a listener.

"He would often text me while on air to let me know his topical tune suggestion or give me his thoughts on a film discussed or a guest interviewed.

"I'll miss those texts, along with many other things that went with having Andy Gray as a mate.

"But if you will allow, I’d like to give him one last shout out. Andy loved many things in life. One of them was his music. His musical taste and his dressing room playlist was, let’s just say, eclectic.

"Where else would you hear The Goons, followed by Dr Hook, followed by the Batman theme, followed by Highland Cathedral, interspersed with a classic from Bobby Darin and Elvis?

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“Lately, he was always on at me to play one particular song on the show and, for whatever reason, I never quite got around to it and I regret that, so I’d like to do it now.

"Andy Gray, this is for you my friend, wherever you are.”

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