Denise Drysdale reveals how Ernie Sigley coined her famous nickname 'Ding Dong' - as she pays tribute to the TV star following his death aged 82

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Denise Drysdale has reflected on her legendary working relationship with TV pioneer Ernie Sigley following his death aged 82. 

Appearing on Tuesday's Studio 10, the 72-year-old was emotional as she spoke about the loss of her long-time friend and praised Sigley for having such a profound effect on her career. 

'We had so much fun on camera it was unbelievable - and off camera,' she said. 

Drysdale also recalled how he coined her famous nickname 'Ding Dong'. 

'He had a secretary called Denise Bell, and because of the bell he called her 'Ding Dong', and so when he heard Denise he's automatically gone, "Ding Dong".' 

'We had so much fun':  Denise Drysdale has reflected on her legendary working relationship with TV pioneer Ernie Sigley following his death aged 82. Pictured together in the 1970s

Earlier in the interview, Drysdale shared one of her favourite memories of fun-loving Sigley, which involved an embarrassing run-in with a bishop. 

'[We were] sitting on a plane up in first class... and [Sigley] is sitting next to the bishop of Adelaide,' she recalled. 

Drysdale said she'd overheard Sigley attempting to impress the bishop by bragging about performing the drums at mass.  

Praise: Appearing on Tuesday's Studio 10, the 72-year-old was emotional as she spoke about the loss of her long-time friend and praised Sigley for having such a profound effect on her career

'I hear [Sigley] say, "Oh yes, I play the drums every week at mass", and he was putting on his posh voice.

'And I'd taken off my bra, and flung it over not knowing it was the bishop, and said, "Hey, can you look after that for me?''' she laughed. 

Drysdale and Sigley worked together on TV variety shows, and had a pop hit, Hey Paula, which peaked at number two in the Australian charts in 1974. 

Naming rights: Drysdale also recalled how he coined her famous nickname 'Ding Dong', explaining that he'd associated the name Denise with the sound of a bell-chime because he had a receptionist called Denise Bell 

Following the announcement of his death on Monday, Drysdale told Herald Sun: 'We've lost one of the all-time greats of Australian TV and radio today'.  

'Ernie Sigley was one of a kind. He was enormously generous to me. In fact, if it wasn't for Ernie, I doubt that my career would have turned out the way it did. He always just let me be myself and that is the greatest gift of all.

'I will cherish the memories of all the mischief we got up to together. He still makes me laugh just thinking about him. Love and respect, dear Ernie. Vale Ernie Sigley.'

Ill health: Sigley, who won the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 1975, had been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in October 2016. His death was announced by Channel Seven entertainment reporter Peter Ford early Monday morning. Pictured on the cover of TV Week magazine in the 1970s

Sigley, who won the Gold Logie for Most Popular Personality on Australian Television in 1975, had been diagnosed with the neurodegenerative disease in October 2016. 

His death was announced by Channel Seven entertainment reporter Peter Ford early Monday morning.

Ford tweeted: 'Very sad to hear of Ernie Sigley's death. His unique larrikin style made it look easier than it really is.

Tribute: Following the announcement of his death on Monday, Drysdale told Herald Sun: 'We've lost one of the all-time greats of Australian TV and radio today'

'TV, radio, recording success and live concerts - what a great career! But his greatest pride was his family. He was kind to me so I'll be sad but honoured to pay tribute today.'

A TV host, radio presenter and singer, Sigley's diminutive stature, working-class roots and larrikin laugh often saw him referred to as the 'little Aussie battler'. 

Sigley hosted game show Wheel of Fortune from 1981 to 1984, and also fronted a national variety show, The Ernie Sigley Show, in the 1970s.

'Little battler': Sigley hosted game show Wheel of Fortune from 1981 to 1984, and also fronted a national variety show, The Ernie Sigley Show, in the '70s. Pictured on the cover of the Brisbane edition of TV Week

He was an original cast member on the '60s variety program Sunnyside Up.

In addition to his television career, he was a regular radio broadcaster for 57 years.

Sigley started his radio hosting career as 'Ernie Williams' on Radio Luxembourg, before stints at 3DB, News Talk 3UZ and Melbourne's 3AW.

He hosted 3AW's afternoon show from 1996 until his retirement in 2008.

Sigley also found success as a singer, a career which began as a choir boy at St Paul's Cathedral in Melbourne. His first record, Love Is a Golden Ring, was released in 1957.  

Duo: Sigley found success as a singer, and was known for collaborating with Drysdale (pictured together in the 1970s)