TRIBUTES have poured in for legendary showbiz and football agent, and BBC Essex presenter, Eric Hall.

His death was announced by the radio station where he worked, Time 107.5FM, after he had suffered a short illness.

Station manager, Lorna Waters, said: “We were incredibly lucky to have Eric here as part of our team for almost seven years.

“He amazed us with the calibre of guests he would invite onto his show and his knowledge of music was undoubtedly second to none."

Tim Gillett, a former BBC Essex journalist and broadcaster, posted a moving tribute about his colleague on his Facebook page.

He, said: "Farewell Bubbelah.

"I’ve just heard the news that Eric Hall has died at the age of 73, and it’s a shock.
"I’m surprised his real age has come out. He always used to tell his listeners he was 86 and it was only from persistence that he told me his real age.

"Eric was a true and natural personality, full of talk, full of life, full of mischief, full of ideas.

"I worked with him for many years at BBC Essex, the station’s one true showbiz presenter."

Eric's nephew, Michael Hall McPherson, also shared fond memories of his uncle, in an interview with BBC Essex earlier today.

Hall made his entry into the music business as a tea-boy alongside a young Elton John, and would later go on to represent some of the Premier League’s biggest names in the 1990s.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette: Larger the life - Eric was known for his flamboyant styleLarger the life - Eric was known for his flamboyant style

His death was announced by the radio station where he worked, Time 107.5FM.

Famed for a trademark cigar and "Monster monster" catchphrase, he made deals on behalf of household names Dennis Wise, Tim Sherwood and Neil Ruddock.

Tributes to Hall have been paid by Sir Alan Sugar, who called him a “real character”, while Stan Collymore tweeted: “Larger than life, great great fun, sad to think Eric Hall has passed.”