Gyles Brandreth has paid tribute to Jeffrey Archer following the author's sudden death at the age of 86, which came just one day before the release of his 50th and final book. The former Tory MP died "suddenly and peacefully" at home, his publisher HarperCollins confirmed on Tuesday.
Final public appearance
The death came less than 24 hours after Archer had met and signed books for hundreds of fans at a sold-out event with Brandreth at the Leicester Square Theatre in central London on Sunday. Brandreth, known for his work on This Morning, took to Instagram with a photo alongside Archer and expressed his disbelief, shock and heartbreak in the caption.
Brandreth wrote: "I can’t believe that Jeffrey Archer, who was always so alive, is suddenly dead. We had a wonderful day together yesterday, as anyone who was there will tell you, he was in brilliant form on stage yesterday, celebrating the publication of his 50th and final best-selling novel."
Support from fans
Brandreth was inundated with support from his 334,000 followers, including many who had met Archer at the event. One follower shared: "What a terrible shock and loss, a pleasure to see Jeffrey at the Queens reading room. Many condolences."
Another echoed: "I'm absolutely devastated! I was front row yesterday. So many wonderful stories told. I hope he's reunited with his mama, Lola, and Mother Teresa, like I know he would want to be." A third shared: "I'm so glad his last day was full of fun and that you were a part of it, Gyles."
One heartbroken attendee added: "Such a shock. Yesterday was brilliant. Thank you, @gylesbrandreth, for yesterday. You encouraged Jeffrey to share some much with us. He seemed so full of life. What a shock."
Political tributes
Conservative Party leader Kemi Badenoch also shared a tribute, saying Archer's death had come as "a huge shock" and that she was "incredibly saddened to hear this news". She added: "He had sent me a lovely message just this [Monday] morning and was always a great source of encouragement to me personally. I can't believe he's gone."
Archer was first elected as an MP in a 1969 by-election for the constituency of Louth in Lincolnshire when he was 29, becoming the youngest MP in Parliament at the time. He served as a Tory MP for five years before becoming the party's deputy chairman under John Major. During his career as a novelist, Archer sold more than 300 million copies worldwide and was made a life peer in 1992.
Archer is survived by his wife, Mary, and their sons, William and James, and five grandchildren.
