Sir Ken Dodd. Pic © David A Ellis Wikimedia Commons
Liverpool is mourning the passing of one of its most treasured showbiz legends, following the death of comedian Sir Ken Dodd, aged 90.
Sir Ken, known to generations for his stage and screen work over a career spanning seven decades, lost his life after recently suffering with a serious chest infection, which had seen him hospitalised for six weeks.
He died on Sunday in the same Knotty Ash house he was born in. It was a district that he made nationally famous as part of his act, along with the Diddy Men, jam butties and his tickling stick.
A book of condolence has opened at Liverpool Town Hall, with flags on civic buildings flying at half mast.
In the city centre, many were keen to pay tribute to the comedy and singing star, with some discovering the news for the first time.
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Cheryl Corbishley, 39, of Walton, told JMU Journalism: “I still can’t believe it – it isn’t half a shame. The past couple years it’s just been one thing after the other hasn’t it?
“It has been nice seeing all over Facebook this morning how sad everyone is. It’s already clear that he will be missed.”
Her sentiments were reflected by 58-year-old Keith Wormald of Kirkby, who said: “He was a Liverpool legend – it’s a shame, it really is. At least we still have all his performances and that’s what I’ll be remembering him for.”
Anne Williams looked back with fondness at Doddy’s legacy, as the 60-year-old said: “I have a lot of childhood memories of him on television and at the theatre. It’s very sad that he’s died, but it’s a good age at 90.”
Scroll through the edited comments below to read more of the reactions to Sir Ken’s death.
Reporting by: Danny Moxon; Anisah Arif; Shelby Hamilton; Shaun Keenan; Sara O’Hagan; Matty Davies; Matthew Skelly; Tom Sutton; Jordan Reais; Chloe George; Shaniece Thompson; Becky Jones & Tim Spencer Tanfield.
YouTube: Guardian News
Eddie Cotton, 53, Aughton
“As a Scouser I’m quite proud that I was born in the same era as the likes of Ken Dodd, The Beatles and Bill Shankly. It is such a shame about his death. I couldn’t believe it when I heard it this morning.”
Margaret Jones, 74, Anfield
“It is awful sad isn’t it? He was such a lovely man. He was a fantastic comedian and entertainer and will be missed greatly.”
Anne Spencer, 65, Fazakerley
“It is a very sad day. He was such a great face for the city and someone who was loved by many.”
Alan Parson, 52, Wavertree
“He’ll definitely be missed. Obviously he was known for his laugh, but I’ll always remember him because he never forgot his roots in Liverpool.”
Stephen Wilson, 42, Liverpool
“I’m actually quite sad. He was a Liverpool legend, wasn’t he? It’s a shame he’s gone but he lived until he was 90 and he had an amazing life.”
Cheryl Corbishley, 39, Walton
“I still can’t believe it – it isn’t half a shame. The past couple years it’s just been one thing after the other hasn’t it? It has been nice seeing all over Facebook this morning how sad everyone is. It’s already clear that he will be missed.”
John Wilson, 66, Liverpool
“I just thought he was one of the best comedians going. He was one of my favourites.”
Christine Broley, 61, Liverpool
“I’m sad that he’s gone. He’ll be a loss to Liverpool. When we were kids we’d go to the theatre to see him.”
Brian Funsten, 64, Tuebrook
“I’m devastated, you know. What a loss, what a wonderful funny man. I remember going to see him years ago with my old mum. I turned round and she had a tear in her eye. I said ‘what’s wrong mum’? And she said I’ve wanted to see him all my life.”
Rob Thompson, 57, Woolton
“It’s terrible – very sad and very tragic but we all go and we all die. He was a great man.”
Elaine Harris, 47, Southport
“It’s very sad really. I’ve not really thought about it to be honest, but he was a nice guy – a Legend really – and he was around for a long time.”
Linda Jones, 66, Allerton
“It’s very sad news, he was very funny. He was a great comedian and it’s a big loss.”