LEGENDARY showbiz entertainer Lionel Blair has sadly died at the age of 92.
The Give Us a Clue star and Celebrity Big Brother contestant was a prominent figure on British TV screens since the 70s.
His management company said that he died surrounded by his family.
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."
Read our Lionel Blair live blog below for the latest news and updates…
- Milica Cosic
How did Lionel Blair become famous?
Blair featured in a string of films since 1953, including The Limping Man, The World of Suzie Wong, The Beauty Jungle and Absolute Beginners.
He provided the choreography for blockbusters Jazz Boat and The Magic Christian in the 1960s.
Between 1979 and the early 1990s, Lionel was of the team captains on ITV game show Give Us A Clue.
- Milica Cosic
'Rest in peace to the Legend'
Stuart Antony from EastEnders, The Bill, Holby City and Silent Witness wrote on Twitter to express his sadness about the news.
He said: "Rest in peace to the Legend that is Lionel Blair. What a fantastically nice man x"
- Milica Cosic
Actor Julian Clary writes
Julian Clary, most famous from the British satirical television game show Sticky Moments has paid his respects to Lionel.
He wrote: "RIP dear Lionel Blair. A showbiz trooper if ever there was."
- Milica Cosic
Piers Morgan pays tribute
Piers Morgan took to Twitter to pay his respects to Lionel.
He wrote: "RIP Lionel Blair, 92.
"A wonderful all-round entertainer & lovely man.
"Sad news."
- Milica Cosic
Was Lionel married?
Lionel was married.
He leaves behind wife Susan Davis and their three children and grandchildren.
- Milica Cosic
He even entered the doors of the Celebrity Big Brother house
Lionel even dared to enter the doors of the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2014.
However, he became the third housemate to be evicted.
- Milica Cosic
Appearing in the second series of The Real Marigold Hotel
The actor appeared in the second series of The Real Marigold Hotel in 2017.
The documentary followed eight pensioners trying out retirement living in India and after a successful first series a new batch returned, this time in Kochi, South West India.
Lionel appeared alongside TV cook Rustie Lee, singer Sheila Ferguson, presenter Bill Oddie, snooker ace Dennis Taylor, TV’s Dr Miriam Stoppard, actress Amanda Barrie and actor Paul Nicholas.
- Milica Cosic
Lionel shot into fame in the 1960s
Lionel really shot into the spotlight in the 1960s by appearing on a number of variety shows as part of his dance troupe.
In the 1970s, Lionel turned his hand to writing as he wrote a musical based on Tolstoy's War and Peace, which toured around the UK for six months.
The showbiz legend has sadly died, it was announced tonight Credit: PA:Press Association - Milica Cosic
Who was Lionel Blair?
Lionel was born Henry Lionel Ogus in Canada and moved to Britain when he was just two years old, with his family settling at Stamford Hill.
He began performing in plays when he was a child and attended the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in Stratford in 1944.
The entertainer went on to work in the West End but decided to give up acting in 1947, during which he took up his stage name Lionel Blair.
- Milica Cosic
Agent pays tribute
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."
As well as performing as a dancer and entertainer on British TV, Blair also presented the quiz programme Name That Tune.
- Milica Cosic
Lionel Blair dead aged 92
LEGENDARY showbiz entertainer Lionel Blair has sadly died at the age of 92.
The Give Us a Clue star and Celebrity Big Brother contestant was a prominent figure on British TV screens since the 70s.
His management company said that he died surrounded by his family.
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