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: