Tributes have been paid to Freddie Starr following his death at the age of 76.
The Huyton-born entertainer passed away after reportedly being discovered at his Spanish home in the Costa del Sol on Thursday afternoon.
Starr’s career in showbiz began in the 1960s as the front man of Merseybeat group Midniters, where promoted by legendary Beatles manager Brian Epstein.
But he became familiar to millions as a comedian, initially appearing on TV’s Opportunity Knocks as well as the Royal Variety Performance.
A lifelong Everton fan, Starr also performed a stand-up routine for his boyhood club outside their team hotel on the morning of their 1984 FA Cup final triumph.
During the 1990s he fronted several shows, including An Audience with Freddie Starr as well as presenting game show Beat the Crusher.
In 2011 Starr took part in I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here but was later forced to withdraw from involvement in the show on health grounds.
Fellow comic Bobby Davro was among those to pay tributes to his passing.
“He was the funniest man I have ever seen,” he wrote on Twitter.
“I’m so sad we have lost one of our greatest comedy talents.”
Britain’s Got Talent judge Amanda Holden said: “His style may have fallen out of comedy fashion and favour.
“But it’s important to recognise his once huge popularity and fame.”
Liverpool-born comedian Les Dennis added: “Freddie Starr was so exciting to watch live.
“A true clown who could also sing like Elvis. A total one off. RIP.”