On his show on Tuesday, Harris recalled being friends with Walker since the 1960s, and said they had been exchanging texts recently after he took over Sounds of the 70s.

“He wished me well for the first programme I did… ‘The listeners are lovely and they’ll look after you.'”

Harris also read out a tribute from Shaun Keaveny, who took over the Rock Show from Walker.

Keaveny described him as “a rebel, a soul searcher and a seeker, a rocker, a phenomenal broadcaster”.

“He absolutely lived life to the limit. It was a total privilege to have worked with him,” he said.

Radio 1 breakfast show host Greg James also sent a message to Harris. “My dad and I are sitting here listening to you. Such sad news, but radio is the greatest community at times like these,” he wrote.

Former Radio 2 host Ken Bruce wrote on social media, external: “So sorry to hear the news about the great Johnnie Walker. Not only was he a wonderful broadcaster but also a man of great personal strength and kindness.”

Radio 2 presenter Elaine Paige said she was “so very sad” to hear of Walker’s death. “My deepest condolences to his wife Tiggy and his family. He will be so deeply missed by everyone,” she added.

Radio 5 Live’s Nicky Campbell posted on X: “Goodbye Johnnie. Sweet and brilliant man. I am so lucky to have known you. You were an inspiration.”