Showbiz legend Lionel Blair has been hailed as a "lovely man" and "great entertainer" by fellow celebrities paying tribute to the star, who has died aged 92.
The dancer and Give Us a Clue star was a prominent figure on British TV screens since the 70s and died surrounded by his family, his management company said.
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."
Among those paying tribute was Piers Morgan, who branded his death "very sad".
He tweeted: "RIP Lionel Blair, 92. A wonderful all-round entertainer & lovely man. Sad news."
While Sheila Ferguson, who he appeared on the Real Marigold Hotel with, wrote: "OMG. I just heard that my darling #LionelBlair has passed away. Iconically I was just thinking about him today. My heart hurts. #RIPLionelBlair. Friend since the 70’s, #TheRealMarigoldHotel and beyond."
BBC News presenter Nick Owen commented: "So sorry to hear that Lionel Blair has passed away. Always good company and great guest on the breakfast sofa at TV-am and Good Morning with Anne and Nick. RIP Lionel."
Author Emma Kennedy tweeted: "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."
"I had a privileged childhood. Part of that privilege was getting to know some fabulous people, and Lionel Blair was one of them. A lovely, lovely and very talented man. Farewell dear man," wrote food critic Jay Rayner.
His fans also offered their fond memories of the entertainer as they voiced their heartbreak over his death.
One tweeted: "Rip Lionel. A great showman."
While another commented: "Such fond memories of Lionel Blair on Give Us A Clue. Team captain alongside Una Stubbs who only passed away in August. #RIP."
