TRIBUTES have been paid to legendary comedian Ken Dodd following his death, aged 90.
Sir Ken was famous for his epic stand-up shows and his tickling stick had a legion of loyal followers whom he continued to entertain even through his later years.
The Liverpudlian entertainer recently cancelled a forthcoming show at the Albert Halls in Bolton after being admitted to hospital with a severe chest infection.
He died on Sunday in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, at the same house in which he was born in 1927.
As news of his death broke in the early hours of Monday morning, fellow comedians and television stars paid tribute to Sir Ken on social media.
Comic Gary Delaney called him “one of the all time greats”, and, referencing the fact Sir Ken’s shows could often last for hours on end, added: “The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and most of Saturday.”
RIP Sir Ken Dodd. One of the all time greats. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and most of Saturday.
— Gary Delaney (@GaryDelaney) March 12, 2018
Television personality Claire Sweeney, a fellow Liverpudlian, shared some photos of the star’s 90th birthday party on Twitter.
Alongside them, she wrote: “RIP Sir Ken Dodd. A legend and an inspiration. I have a lot to thank You for. I Was thrilled you had the best birthday party in Liverpool before you left us. Your city, friends,Family and Show business will miss you terribly.”
RIP Sir Ken Dodd. A legend and an inspiration. I have a lot to thank You for. I Was thrilled you had the best birthday party in Liverpool before you left us. Your city, friends,Family and Show business will miss you terribly. pic.twitter.com/iDeEC4yukJ
— Claire Sweeney (@clairesweeney) March 12, 2018
Paul Chan, known for playing Mr Wu in comedy series Benidorm, wrote about a chance encounter his mother had had with Sir Ken several decades ago.
He said: “In the late 70’s he came to my mum’s chippy and ordered fish ‘n’ chips. He left and sat in his Rolls Royce, parked outside, eating them. Then he came back in to ask for the bin and drove off. My mum didn’t know who he was. That’s my Ken Dodd story.”
In the late 70's he came to my mum's chippy and ordered fish 'n' chips. He left and sat in his Rolls Royce, parked outside, eating them. Then he came back in to ask for the bin and drove off. My mum didn't know who he was. That's my Ken Dodd story.
— Paul Chan (@paulychan) March 12, 2018
RIP Ken. https://t.co/LB0OIXpIZW
Other tributes came from actor John Challis, who played Boycie in comedy television series Only Fools and Horses, and Hollyoaks actor Annie Wallace, who described him as a “true son of beautiful Liverpool”.
Julian Richings, who has appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, described him as a “music hall great, entertainment legend, Liverpool pride”, adding: “The lights are out in Knotty Ash.”
Irish comedian Dara O Briain, known for hosting panel shows such as Mock the Week, remembered seeing him at one of his “incredible 5 hour shows”.
He said: “He was an education to watch and, afterwards, at 1.30 am, he had beers with me in the dressing room and talked showbiz. A privilege, and a loss. RIP.”
Ah, Ken Dodd has died. So happy I got to meet him once, and more importantly, saw him do one of his incredible 5 hour shows. He was an education to watch and, afterwards, at 1.30 am, he had beers with me in the dressing room and talked showbiz. A privilege, and a loss. RIP.
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) March 12, 2018
The lights are out in Knotty Ash.
— Julian Richings (@JulianRichings) March 12, 2018
Born and died in the same house.
Ken Dodd. Music hall great, entertainment legend, Liverpool pride. pic.twitter.com/UP42u6XBbZ
Sir Ken, who was knighted in the Queen’s 2017 New Year’s Honour’s List, was due to appear at the Albert Halls on Friday, February 3 as part of his Happiness Show tour.
Fans also paid their own tributes, and many of Sir Ken’s infamous jokes were shared on Twitter.
One fan wrote: “Appropriate that this should be announced at about 1:15am as this is the sort of time his shows finished. What a legend, happiness was your greatest gift to us.”
And another said: “Thank you for for your amazing sense of humour and the laughs you left us with.”
One of the all time best comedians passing away. Sir Ken Dodd! Thank you for your amazing sense of humour and the laughs you left us with. #RIPSirKenDodd pic.twitter.com/437rYsuEUT
— Kevin Carter (@Kevin_Carter83) March 12, 2018
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