Lonely listener Bill Palmer, 95, a hit on BBC radio show

What prompted him to pick up the phone?

Bill’s wife was admitted to hospital after being admitted due to suffering a severe fall.

“I listen to the radio and watch TV and have lots of friends, but unfortunately when you get old people don’t visit – that’s life”.

The radio team organised for a taxi to pick Bill up and bring him to the studio – where he was made an honorary “special guest” and even took calls from listeners who rang in non-stop for the opportunity to speak to him.

Touched by Bill’s heartbreaking story, listeners called the studio saying that he was very fearless and offering support and help.

He had a cup of coffee as he spoke with the morning show crew.

When Bill arrived at the station, Dyke greeted him with a warm hug.

And social media has been flooded with well-wishers and offers of company for Bill so hopefully he doesn’t feel so alone anymore.

Jenny-Emma Jenkins said: ‘Bill is an inspiration, hopefully he won’t be lonely anymore’.

We love this Graham, #BillDay thank you. She said: ‘More than welcome in my house on Christmas Eve.

Chris Hitchings, who works at the station told Business Insider: “It’s so nice to see so many people supporting him and showing that they care”.

And Harry English said on Twitter: ‘What you did on your show was fantastic @ALEXDYKE1.

Indeed. Earlier this year the radio host was suspended and then reinstated after he said on-air that women should not breastfeed in public as it was a “throwback to the stone age”. Like any human with a heart, Dyke was so moved by Palmer’s story that he knew he needed to do something.