Irish singer and TV entertainer Val Doonican, sometimes referred to as Ireland's answer to Bing Crosby, passed away today at the age of 88. 

Michael Valentine "Val" Doonican became a household name thanks to his long-running show on the BBC between 1965 and '86 which featured his own performances, as well as those of other musicians who came on as guests. 

His popularity soared in the 1960s as a result of his garnering five successive top 10 albums, even knocking The Beatles' Sgt Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band off the top spot with his own Val Doonican Rocks, But Gently in 1967. 

Doonican's daughter reported that he had passed away peacefully at a nursing home in Buckinghamshire, and that he had not been ill. In a statement, the family said "He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and will be greatly missed by family, friends and his many fans". 

Via BBC. Main pic via Wikipedia