Showbiz star Lionel Blair dies aged 92

4 November 2021, 20:30 | Updated: 4 November 2021, 21:52

Famed entertainer Lionel Blair has died aged 92, surrounded by his family.

A statement from his agent said: "He got to a very ripe old age, he was loved by his family, and I think he died in their company, which is lovely."

Blair was a reassuringly cheerful presence in British entertainment during a career spanning eight decades.

The performer was from the old school of variety shows and was capable of turning his hand to almost anything - including choreography, dancing, acting and presenting.

He was best known as a team captain on the charades-style TV show Give Us A Clue, as part of his long and successful career on stage and screen.

He also appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014 and The Real Marigold Hotel in 2017.

Tributes have begun flooding in online for the veteran, with Piers Morgan tweeting: "RIP Lionel Blair, 92. A wonderful all-round entertainer & lovely man. Sad news."

Author Emma Kennedy said: "I am very glad I got to meet Lionel Blair. He was a Phenomenon. Full of magical, fruity, end with a wink anecdotes. What a career. What a talent. #RIPLionel"

Broadcaster Danny Baker tweeted: "A true chum, an entertainer beyond compare, an archive of a golden era, an immeasurable talent.

"Impossible to think he won't be in some Green room somewhere, dropping names and living out fantastic tales. A Giant. Really."

Meanwhile, actress Bonnie Langford shared fond memories with the star.

Julian Clary said: "RIP dear Lionel Blair. A showbiz trooper if ever there was."

Actor Antony Cotton tweeted: "Good night, Lionel Blair. I was honoured to have met, and worked with him a couple of times. He was divine x"

Singer Michael Ball said: "A funny, kind, generous, compassionate and gifted man. "So sad for his family and for our business. A total one off. RIP lovely man."