BRITAIN:Jeremy Beadle, one of Britain's favourite television presenters during the 1980s and early 1990s, has died, it was reported yesterday.
Beadle (59), died of complications from pneumonia while being treated in a hospital in north London, surrounded by his family, including his wife Sue and his children.
Beadle, the host of programmes such as Beadle's About, You've Been Framed and Game for a Laugh was a constant presence on TV screens for more than a decade, although in recent years he kept a much lower profile, preferring to write books and do charity work.
The presenter was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, but did not let the condition restrain him, going on to publish three new books last year.
In his heyday, he pulled in up to 15 million viewers a night with his mix of comedy and family fun, particularly with the iconic Beadle's About.
He was awarded an MBE in 2001 for his services to television and for his charity work, raising tens of millions of pounds, especially for children with leukaemia. Eddie O'Gorman, founder of Children with Leukaemia and close friend of Beadle, said: "We are all devastated by this very sad news.
"Jeremy was not only a close personal friend and an extraordinary entertainer, he was one of the most dedicated supporters this charity has ever seen."
Irishman Henry Kelly, who was Beadle's co-presenter on the 1980s hidden camera show Game For A Laugh, said: "Jeremy and I were firm friends for nearly 30 years. I loved and admired him and I shall miss him desperately.
"Not only was he a terrific colleague in our Game For A Laugh days and beyond, but he was a most wonderful friend to have and the most entertaining company you could possibly imagine."