CELEBRITIES and fans have paid tribute to beloved comedian Sir Ken Dodd — described as “a legend and an inspiration”.
The comic married his partner of 40 years on two days before his death on Sunday aged 90 at the house where he lived for his whole life in Knotty Ash, Liverpool.
In true Doddy style, Dawn French tweeted: “What a wonderful day for sticking a cucumber through your neighbour’s letter box and shouting, ‘The aliens have landed!’ Tatty bye Doddy. And thanks.”
BGT judge and Little Britain star David Walliams tweeted: “Comedy flowed through him like water. RIP Sir Ken Dodd.”
Sir Paul McCartney tweeted: “Farewell to my fellow Liverpudlian the tattyfilarious Ken Dodd.
“Beloved by many people in Britain and a great champion of his home city and comedy. We met him on a few occasions as The Beatles and always ended up in tears of laughter. Today it’s tears of sadness as well. See you Doddy.”
And funnyman Gary Delaney called him “one of the all time greats” and, referencing the fact Sir Ken’s shows could often last for hours on end, added: “The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and most of Saturday.”
Bake-off host Sandi Toksvig tweeted: “Best dinner companion I ever sat next to. Don’t think I said a word. Just laughed and laughed and tried not to drown in my soup. Thank you for the genius x”.
TV host Carol Vorderman said: “I loved him from when I was a kid. I won 1st prize in Prestatyn Carnival 1965 dressed as a Diddy Man #Proud. Doddy always made me cry laughing.”
TV personality Claire Sweeney, a fellow Liverpudlian, shared some photos of the star’s 90th birthday party on Twitter.
Alongside them, she wrote: “RIP Sir Ken Dodd. A legend and an inspiration. I have a lot to thank You for. I Was thrilled you had the best birthday party in Liverpool before you left us. Your city, friends,Family and Show business will miss you terribly.”
Paul Chan, known for playing Mr Wu in comedy series Benidorm, wrote about a chance encounter his mother had had with Sir Ken several decades ago.
He said: “In the late 70’s he came to my mum’s chippy and ordered fish ‘n’ chips. He left and sat in his Rolls Royce, parked outside, eating them.
“Then he came back in to ask for the bin and drove off. My mum didn’t know who he was. That’s my Ken Dodd story.”
Musician and comedian Russ Abbot said: “Sadly another legend has passed away. An icon, a one-off and a true professor of comedy. One of the greatest. How tickled I am to have known him.”
Sir Ken’s fellow Merseyside comedian Les Dennis wrote: “Losing Ken means losing the last music-hall great. He was a true star who lit up a theatre. Thoughts with his wife Anne. Tatty Bye Doddy.”
Hollyoaks actor Annie Wallace, who described him as a “true son of beautiful Liverpool”.
Irish comedian Dara O Briain, known for hosting panel shows such as Mock The Week, remembered seeing him at one of his “incredible 5 hour shows”.
He said: “He was an education to watch and, afterwards, at 1.30 am, he had beers with me in the dressing room and talked showbiz. A privilege, and a loss. RIP.”
And Liverpudlian comedian John Bishop said Sir Ken was a “true comedy legend”.
Comedian and TV and stage actor Brian Conley wrote: “Thanks for all the chats and guidance — you always had time for everyone . . . Dear Doddy tatty bye.”
Broadcaster Gyles Brandreth wrote: “He had a genius for laughter and spread happiness wherever he went. The human tickling stick is gone and it’s a sadder world. RIP Ken.”
BBC Breakfast host Dan Walker said: “Sad news about the death of Ken Dodd. His single ‘Tears’ was the 3rd highest-selling song of the 1960s in the UK. It was only outsold by 2 tunes from The Beatles!”
And fellow morning TV personality Piers Morgan described Ken as “one of the greatest comedians Britain has ever produced”.
The Good Morning Britain host added: “Died in the same home in Knotty Ash, Liverpool where he was born & always lived – after marrying his long time love Anne there just two days ago. A poignant end to an amazing life.”
Ant & Dec wrote on Twitter: “So sad to hear of the passing of Ken Dodd. A comedy legend. RIP.”
Actor Samuel West wrote: “Remembering Ken Dodd performing at the Crucible Theatre. We had to order taxis home for all the staff. His set finished after midnight (and nobody wanted a second less). May we all fill 90 years so well.”
Doddy took an interest in the welfare of hedgehogs after regularly seeing them in his garden in Liverpool’s Knotty Ash.
The British Hedgehog Preservation Society tweeted: “We are truly saddened to hear that our lovely patron, Sir Ken Dodd OBE, has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. A true legend and a true gentleman, he will be missed.”
Sir Ken died in Knotty Ash, Liverpool, at the same house in which he was born in 1927.
Julian Richings, who has appeared in films such as X-Men: The Last Stand, described him as a “music hall great, entertainment legend, Liverpool pride”, adding: “The lights are out in Knotty Ash.”
Lee Mead, who won BBC competition Any Dream Will Do to land the lead role in the West End revival of Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, said he felt “lucky” to have met Dodd.
The now Holby City star tweeted: “Sad to hear the news of Ken Dodd this morning. A man who gave us much joy. Led his life, and career with dignity. Lucky to have met the man.”
Liverpool Council paid tribute to Sir Ken – a Freeman of the City – on its Twitter page.
The post read: “RIP Sir Ken Dodd, Freeman of Liverpool and comedy genius. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife Anne and their friends and family at this very sad time.”
Fans also paid their own tributes, and many of Sir Ken’s infamous jokes were shared on Twitter.
One fan wrote: “Appropriate that this should be announced at about 1:15am as this is the sort of time his shows finished. What a legend, happiness was your greatest gift to us.”
And another said: “Thank you for your amazing sense of humour and the laughs you left us with.”
MOST READ IN NEWS
And speaking outside their home, Ken’s widow Lady Anne Dodd said yesterday: “I have lost a most wonderful husband.
“We first met when I was in the Ken Dodd Christmas Show in 1961 at the Manchester Opera House.
“I’ve had the supreme joy and privilege of working and living with him as a partner for the past 40 years.
“The world has lost a most life- enhancing, brilliant, creative comedian with an operatically trained voice, who just wanted to make people happy.
“He lived to perfect his art and entertain his live and adoring audiences.
“I’ve been overwhelmed by the love and affection which I’ve already received from dear friends and the public and I thank you all for being here.”
We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.