Richard Wilkins comforted by Karl Stefanovic as he bursts into tears over Olivia Newton-John’s death

Richard Wilkins broke down on the Today show on Tuesday as he spoke about the death of his long-time friend and Australian icon, Olivia Newton-John.

The actress died peacefully at the age of 73 at her home in Southern California on Monday morning, surrounded by family and friends. Her husband John Easterling announced her death on her Facebook page. 

The entertainment presenter, 68, burst into tears as a past interview was aired of Wilkins speaking with Olivia.

Host Karl Stefanovic left his seat on the panel to comfort his colleague who wiped his eyes.  

‘I didn’t want to do this,’ Wilkins wept.

‘It’s alright, it’s alright,’ Karl said while hugging the presenter. ‘This woman was extraordinary.’

Wilkins was close to tears earlier in the show when he delivered the heartbreaking news about Olivia’s death.

‘Dickie, I’m so sorry for your loss,’ Karl said.

‘It’s our loss,’ Dickie replied. ‘The world has lost a beautiful human being today.’

 He then went on to open up about the devastating early morning phone call he received of the news.

‘I was just sort of numb,’ he said to Karl and Ally.

‘You know, all the dates and facts and figures and things just disappear and I just felt completely, just completely numb. I didn’t really know what to think.’

More to come.