SOUTHEND’S former Rat Pack star Buddy Greco has paid a touching tribute to his old friend Sir David Frost, who died at the weekend.

Greco, who grew up in Philadelphia, USA, but now lives in Westcliff, was a regular guest on Sir David’s programmes in America and over here in the UK.

Broadcaster Sir David, 74, died of a heart attack on a cruise ship on Saturday.

Greco was a big star on both sides of the Atlantic in the Fifties and Sixties and became associated with the famous Rat Pack, led by Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy Davis Junior, when they performed and socialised together in Las Vegas.

As such, he is a fund of showbiz anecdotes and this made him an obvious interviewee for the David Frost Show.

Greco said: “I am so sorry to hear the tragic and shocking news about my friend David Frost.

“The world has lost a great talent too soon. David was considered the best interviewer in the business. He was so well informed and prepared and had a wonderful sense of humour, besides.

“He often invited me on his shows, both in the USA and in England and came often to see me perform.”

The singer recalled performing his hit song, My Double Life on Frost’s show in 1970.

The song was written by Paul Anka who was himself catapulted to the limelight after writing Sinatra’s most enduring hit, My Way.

Greco said: “Everybody in the business wanted to record anything that Paul Anka wrote.

“When he sent My Double Life to my artist and repertoire man at Reprise Records, there was no second thought about recording the song.I was thrilled to do it, hoping for the same goldmine Frank had gotten with My Way.

“After a good laugh watching my heartfelt performance of My Double Life, David and I shared some moments together and a nice medley with me playing the craviola.”

He added: “David, you informed us, entertained us and cast your great light on all who knew you.

“You are greatly missed in this world, I am honoured to have known you.”