The veteran broadcaster presented Inside Ulster, Good Morning Ulster and Evening Extra during a four-decade career on the airwaves, before retiring in 2022.

Adam Smyth, director of BBC Northern Ireland, said Bradford was an "absolute one-off".

"His on-air and off-air personas were exactly the same; flamboyant, witty, warm and curious - he was a pleasure to produce," he said.

"His passing will be met with great sadness by everyone fortunate enough to have worked with him."

Michael Cairns, who previously worked at BBC News NI, announced the death on X.

"It's with sadness I share news from Conor Bradford's family that Conor passed away yesterday," Cairns wrote.

"An interviewer with a unique style, a master of both TV and radio presentation and superb social company, he held the lunchtime radio slot together during some of the worst times."

Tributes have been paid by politicians, with Justice Minister Naomi Long saying her thoughts were with his family.

"Really sad to hear this. Conor was such a superb interviewer and journalist," she wrote on social media.

The Social Democratic and Labour Party (SDLP)'s Matthew O'Toole said Bradford was "a really decent man and talented interviewer".

Irish broadcaster Michael Kelly said Bradford was "an utter professional" and "absolute gentleman".

"You'd want to have your homework done before he'd interview you, he had a razor-sharp bluffer monitor," he added.

Former colleagues have also paid tribute.

"Always a smile on his face and an idiosyncratic style of presentation. Condolences to all his family and friends."

Former BBC News NI broadcaster Donna Traynor said Bradford was "a man with a great presence" who made people laugh with "all of his stories and antics".