Tributes to Just A Minute star

Sir Clement Freud, the former Liberal MP and regular Just A Minute panellist has died at the age of 84.

His family said he died yesterday evening at his London home, leaving his wife of 59 years, the actress Jill Freud, five children and 17 grandchildren.

A grandson of psychoanalyst Sigmund Freud, Sir Clement was a regular on Just A Minute for more than 30 years.

Fellow panellist Tony Hawks said he was a ‘formidable’ character, adding: ‘You always knew he would be a challenging performer. Through his great intellect he'd always bring out the best in you.’

Stephen Fry also paid tribute, telling Radio 4’s Today programme: ‘My favourite memory is of him in full flow on Just a Minute, still able to trip up people a quarter of his age.’

Born in 1924, the young Clement Freud began his career in the hotel business before turning to journalism, where he first specialised in food, but he became a TV and radio personality following a series of pet food commercials in the Sixties.

He was an MP from 1973 to 1987, the year he earned his knighthood.

His funeral will be held next week.

Published: 16 Apr 2009