Performer Max Bygraves dies aged 89

Comedian, singer and variety performer Max Bygraves has died aged 89, his agent said.

The veteran entertainer died peacefully in his sleep at home in Hope Island, Queensland, Australia, yesterday.

Helen Callaghan looks back at his career.

His agent Johnny Mans said: "His death is a great loss to the entertainment profession and a great loss to all of his friends in the industry."

Bygraves, whose wife Blossom died in May last year after battling a long illness, is survived by one son and two daughters.

One of them, Christine Green, was with him when he died, Mr Mans said.

He also had several grandchildren.

The couple moved to Australia several years ago to take advantage of the warm climate.

Born Walter Bygraves in south London in 1922, he adopted the name Max after his hero Max Miller.

He appeared in films, stage shows and hosted gameshow Family Fortunes during a long-running career.

Broadcaster Ed Stewart said his friend was a "unique talent" who "gave a lot of pleasure to a lot of people". He told BBC News:

Comedian Jimmy Tarbuck, a close friend of Bygraves, has paid tribute to "one of the greats of British entertainment".

"I have nothing but lovely memories of him. He was a big, big influence on me, " he told BBC News.

Mr Tarbuck added: "He had the audience in the palm of his hand quicker than any other comedian I have seen.

"They loved him and you don't get that love very often.

"He had a great deal of charm.

"He could be very cheeky - he was a rascal.

"He would stroll on and just wow them. He was one of the all-time greats of British entertainment - a king of the Palladium.

"He would have them roaring with laughter, singing along and with a tear in their eye."