Lionel Blair has died aged 92.
Lionel Blair at the Oldie Awards in 2019
The legendary British entertainer was confirmed to have passed away on Thursday (04.11.21) surrounded by his family, his management company have said.
His agent said in a statement to the Daily Mirror newspaper: "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."
Lionel had been a prominent figure on British television since the 1970s, and was best known for presenting the quiz show ‘Name That Tune’ in the 1980s, as well as being a team captain on ‘Give Us a Sign’ from 1979 until the early 1990s.
The actor, presenter, and tap dancer also took part in ‘Celebrity Big Brother’ in 2014, and also appeared in the second series of the BBC reality series, ‘The Real Marigold Hotel’.
Earlier this year, Lionel made an appearance on ‘This Morning’ where he spoke about receiving his second COVID-19 vaccination after getting his first just after his birthday in December 2020.
Speaking in January, he said: I’m feeling fine, it was the best birthday present I could have had because I was 92 on December 12 and on that day, they said I can have my first one, which I did. And yesterday, I had my second.
“I want to thank the scientists for getting this together, it’s just wonderful what they’ve done. I do the flu jab every year, I do as I’m told!”
Lionel also said at the time he had been shielding at home and had been taking measures to ensure he took the pandemic seriously.
Filmed after getting his first jab, he said: “I couldn't believe it when they called me. [They said] ‘It's next week and then the next one is in January' and here I am.
“I’m just thinking, thank God I live here.
“I’m hoping it's going to make me live a bit longer! And seeing my grandchildren and children growing up.
“The whole thing means a great deal to me ... My back is the only thing that is weak. My doctor says it's because of all the dancing in my career.' I couldn't wait for them to phone, I thought, 'How do you get in touch?’ ”
As of the time of writing, Lionel’s cause of death is unknown.
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