Celebrities and fans have been paying tribute to English comedian Freddie Starr, who has died at the age of 76.
The Lancashire-born comic, real name Frederick Leslie Fowell, first found fame after appearing on TV talent show 'Opportunity Knocks' in the 1970s. He went on to become one of the best-known comedians of his generation, notorious for the 'Freddie Starr ate my hamster!' rumour that emerged via a UK tabloid in 1986. He later dispelled the rumour in his autobiography,
He had lived in Spain since 2015 and was found dead at his home in Mijas yesterday. He is believed to have died of natural causes.
Read some of the tributes paid to him on social media below:
Just heard the news. Freddie Starr was the greatest.
— Jim Davidson (@JimDOfficial) May 9, 2019
Sad to hear of Freddie Starr passing today.His style may have fallen out of comedy fashion & favour-but it’s important to recognise his once huge popularity& fame.The outrageous & edgy parody’s were infamous.I hope his legacy is not smalled down and he’s remembered with a smile pic.twitter.com/M77Pu4xp1f
— Amanda Holden (@AmandaHolden) May 9, 2019
Freddie Starr had his problems but there’s no doubting his comedy genius, here he is impersonating Mick Jagger #RIPFreddieStarr https://t.co/D0o8emdp4S
— Brian Buddle (@Bllnka) May 9, 2019
Hamsters celebrate the passing of Freddie Starr pic.twitter.com/t1bwnZ7zp7
— Trudi (@Trudski2012) May 9, 2019
We have lost yet another comedy genius, and also a close friend of mine, one of Britain’s funniest men. Goodnight Freddie my mate, sleep tight.
Chubbs #FreddieStarr https://t.co/7NRaTgAajD— Roy Chubby Brown (@OfficialChubby) May 9, 2019
I'm shocked and saddened to hear of Freddie Starr's passing.
He was a master of comedy and generations of fans loved his unpredictable madcap antics.
He was one of a kind and I will miss him dearly.#freddiestarr @TheBobbyBall pic.twitter.com/57mcibwbjC— Jess Conrad OBE (@Jessconradcom) May 9, 2019
