text: Honours He was appointed Member of the Order of the British Empire (MBE) in 1998. In May 2000, he was presented with a Lifetime Achievement award at the Sony Radio Academy Awards. He was initiated into the Grand Order of Water Rats in 1976, and ten years later was elected "King Rat". He also served as Vice-President of the London Union of Youth Clubs.
  Personal life
  In March 1994, Freeman revealed on breakfast television that he had become celibate in 1981, but had previously been bisexual. He was described by Graham Chapman as being "keen on motor bikes and leather and men".
  From the early 1990s, Freeman suffered from arthritis and asthma (from a 60-a-day smoking habit) and used a Zimmer frame. He lived at Brinsworth House, a retirement home for actors and performers run by the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund in Twickenham, from 2000 until his death.
  Death
  He died on 27 November 2006 in Brinsworth House, aged 79, after a short arthritis illness. His funeral took place at South West Middlesex Crematorium on 7 December 2006, and was attended by singer Kenny Lynch, his producer Phil Swern and DJs including Dave Lee Travis, Ed Stewart, Dave Cash, Paul McKenna, Nicky Campbell, Paul Gambaccini and his Radio One Top 40 successors Wes Butters, Simon Bates and Richard Skinner.