Comedian Dave Evans has died.
The father of stand-up star Lee Evans has passed away after a long career in comedy.
Entertainer Pete Matthews paid tribute on Facebook : "He loved talking about the business and had the best stories and his double act with Shirley had me in stitches every visit! ...He was a true master of Musicality, Variety & Comedy."
And ventriloquist Steve Hewlett paid tribute on Twitter : "R.I.P. mate xxx a True Variety, Musical & Comedy Legend Dave Evans."
Dave had been unable to perform for seven years due to health problems.
His death has left the comedy world shaken.
Britain's Got Talent finalist Steve Hewlett paid a touching tribute on Facebook, sharing memories of the time they spent working together.
He said: "Took some time out of writing for this sad post.
"I can’t not pay tribute to an inspiration and incredibly talented man and friend who I was proud to work with on the QE2, Princess Cruises and on Cromer Pier and he was a Special part of Re~Educating Archie (his last stage appearance) in 2012 playing Max Bygraves & Harry Secombe for me & Colin Burnett-Dick
"For 7 years he was unable to perform due to his health and i can’t imagine his frustration of wanting to get back up there but he loved talking about the business and had the best stories and his double act with Shirley had me in stitches every visit!
"I’m on board Oriana, P&O where Dave was loved and laughed at for over 30 years! He was a true master of Musicality, Variety & Comedy
"Today I am sad, the phonecalls and our meetings i will miss, as friends don’t use the phone much anymore and Dave was one of the few that did pick up and call
"My next show on P&O will be in memory of Dave which i know would mean alot to him especially as this ship leaves P&O in August.
"The end of an era, the end of a Legend R.I.P. mate"
Lee spoke about his father in 2012 when he announced his retirement from stand up comedy.
Speaking on The Jonathan Ross Show, he said he got his strong work ethic from his dad.
He said: "My dad always said to us, ‘You’ve got to work,’ so I’ve just continuously worked, done comedy, toured, but I’ve ignored, I think for far too long, my missus, and I want to spend a lot more time with her. I’m a nightmare to live with because I’m always working.”
Dave's last Facevook post appears to have been just 14 hours before the sad news of his death broke.
In it, he joked: "My latest story idea.... a movie about hypochondriac superheroes. It’s called 'The Incurables'."
His friends shared in the jokes. One said: "Their nemesis could be 'The Unsickables'."
And another replied: "No. Their nemesis would be The Doctor."
Just last month, Dave has started a Facebook fundraising page to gather cash for the Chron's and Colitis Foundation.
He had raised £3,032 of his £3,954 target. There are two days left to go on the fundraising countdown.
He said: "I'm fundraising on the behalf of the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation because I believe no one should have to deal with the fear, uncertainty, and pain caused by Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis, also known as inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD).
"I believe no parent should have to explain a chronic disease to their child.
"I believe no sibling should have to watch their brother or sister suffer.
"I believe that by investing in the best doctors and scientists we will one day cure these diseases.
"I believe that every dollar I raise for research will have a ripple effect and could be THE dollar that changes everything for a family affected by IBD.
"I believe that every person who joins the fight against IBD can have a lasting impact in the lives of every person diagnosed, today and in the future.
"When you join my team or donate, you are supporting Take Steps and the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. But more importantly, you are supporting an incredible community who have banded together to make sure that every day counts for patients.
"Will you join me and make a difference?"
