Gyles Brandreth has revealed he saw his 'dear friend' Jilly Cooper shortly before her sudden death. The much-loved author - who was known as the 'queen of the bonkbusters' after penning scandalous novels from Riders to Rivals - passed away following a fall at the age of 88 , and now broadcaster, Gyles, 77, has paid tribute to her. The former politician made an appearance on Monday's This Morning to discuss the day's headlines alongside hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard and the news broke while