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A much-loved British Airways cabin boss has died from coronavirus in the same hospital where the Prime Minister is being cared for.

Ian Johnson, a cabin service director for the airline, passed away at St Thomas’ in London on Friday.

Thought to be in his late 50s, he had been on a ventilator for 10 days and was receiving treatment in the hospital’s intensive care unit, the Sun reports.

He is believed to be the first BA staff member to die from the flu-like virus, and had worked for the company for 35 years.

A colleague said the steward, who often played the Dame in the airline’s Christmas pantomime, was “a bright light gone too early”.

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Mr Johnson, who was also fondly known as Shirley, had last flown three weeks ago as a passenger.

He had been returning to London from Nashville, Tennessee on March 17.

The BA worker, who has been described as “wonderful” and “fun”, had reportedly been talking about his retirement plans with a colleague just three weeks ago.

(Image: AFP)

He leaves behind a sister Wendy, an employee of Virgin Atlantic.

Paying tribute, a close friend described Mr Johnson as an "Angel".

“Jokingly we called each other husband and wife, well Ian my heart is broken and your ‘wife’ will love you forever. Fly high darling,” they said.

Melissa, a passenger from London, told Mail Online how the cabin boss comforted her as she flew back to the UK from New York after her mother's death last year.

She said Mr Johnson saw her crying and handed her champagne and a box of Cadbury’s chocolates.

“Ian was in charge of my cabin. The seat next to mine was empty and he held my hand for probably 20 minutes and told me stories to calm me down,” she said.

A spokesman for British Airways said: "Our thoughts are with Ian's family and friends at this sad time."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who was rushed to St Thomas' Hospital last Sunday, has now left intensive care.

He is now said to be in the “early stage” of recovery from Covid-19 and is now able to take short walks, Downing Street said on Friday.

In an update on the PM's health, No 10 and St Thomas' said he was now able to leave his hospital bed for the first time since being taken into intensive care on Monday.

Downing Street said he thanked NHS staff and his thoughts were with those "affected by this terrible disease".

A No 10 spokeswoman said: "The Prime Minister has been able to do short walks, between periods of rest, as part of the care he is receiving to aid his recovery.

“He has spoken to his doctors and thanks the whole clinical team for the incredible care he has received.

“His thoughts are with those affected by this terrible disease.”