Beadle losses battle with pneumonia

Tributes have been pouring in for television presenter Jeremy Beadle, who has died after a short battle with pneumonia.His wife Sue and close friends were at his bedside in a north London when he passed away.The 59-year-old, best known for the shows Beadle's About and You've Been Framed, leaves his wife, daughters Cassie, 21, and Bonnie, 19, and step children Leo and Claire.Beadle was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2005, just ten months after having a tumour removed from his kidney.In 2001 Beadle was presented with an MBE for services to charity for his work with Children With Leukaemia, and is estimated to have raised more than £100-million for various charities.Eddie O'Gorman, founder of Children with Leukaemia, 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."Henry Kelly, Beadle's co-presenter on Eighties 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."Entrepreneur Sir Alan Sugar and his wife, Ann, were close friends of the star.Mr Sugar said: "Jeremy was a great friend of mine and one of the most charitably minded and generous people I have ever come across."He did so much work behind the scenes for many great causes that many people aren't aware of."He was also one of the greatest comedy talents of our generation - he made millions laugh and he will never be forgotten."Ann and I are devastated by the news and our thoughts are with his wife Sue and the family."Paul Jackson, ITV's director of entertainment, said: "We are incredibly saddened to hear the news and our sympathy goes to Jeremy's family."Game For A Laugh and Beadle's About were some of the most popular programmes ever seen on British television."Jeremy entertained a whole generation of viewers and of course was the original host of You've Been Framed. He appeared the ultimate joker and a consummate prankster. He had a brilliant brain which never stopped thinking of new ideas and formats."Privately he was a deeply caring man who worked tirelessly for charity and he will be sorely missed."© Independent Television News Limited 2008. All rights reserved.

» More on this story... «

ITN | January 30, 2008

Tags:. .deeply. .raised. .popular. .formats. .whole