Dave Lee PIC: Paul Clapp

Fans mourn passing of star

Comedian Dave Lee has died after a battle with pancratic cancer. He was 64.

It is understood he took a sudden turn worse on Friday and his condition deteriorated rapidly over the weekend.

The comic, best known in recent years for his regular appearances at Canterbury’s Marlowe Theatre pantomime, had been diagnosed with the illness late last year, but opted not to publicise the details.

News of the illness forced him to pull out of this year’s pantomime production.

Friends close to the star, who lived for many years in Herne before moving to Canterbury, said he had been “very poorly” but had been trying to keep his spirits high.

Only last week it was announced he had received a major honour from the city council after they made him Freeman of the City.

He had been due to collect the award at a special ceremony on January 31.

He had been due to pick up the award for “the great and lasting enjoyment that he has given to the people of Canterbury district over very many years; in particular in his comedy performances, his tireless fundraising work and support for local charities and, of course, as the Marlowe Theatre’s regular Dame in pantomime, never forgetting ‘The Bench’.

He has given so much pleasure to so many people and the city is proud to honour him with the Freedom.”

The Bench was a regular set-piece performed at the Marlowe pantomime which became eagerly anticipated by the audience.

He performed over 1,000 times in the panto over 16 years - never missing a show.

Marlowe Theatre director Mark Everett said: “Dave was a very good friend to the Marlowe, all who worked in it, and to live entertainment of all kinds in Kent and beyond. He never had a bad word to say about anybody – he was absolutely wonderful.

“It is a sad day for our theatre and all of the staff send their condolences to his family and many friends.”

Pantomime producer Paul Hendy said: “Everybody knows Dave Lee – he was Kent’s best mate and everyone has a story to tell about him. We always billed him as a ‘legend’ and as far as the local community was concerned, this was true.

“Dave was the life and soul of the party and always had a gag to tell. He will be missed.”

A tireless fundraiser, he raised more than £2m for charity through his Dave Lee Happy Holidays - which raises money to provide trips for sick, disabled and disadvantaged children.

Dave Lee started his career as a drummer and singer and had several records released.

He went on to form his own comedy show band as lead singer and impressionist.

It was a chance meeting with Eric Morecambe that changed Mr Lee’s life forever. Eric watched Dave performing with his group and advised him to start a solo career as a comedian or actor in his own right.

He began his TV career as a warm up man for Michael Parkinson, Michael Aspel and Jimmy Tarbuck. After this, he appeared in front of the cameras in his own right on the likes Des O’Connor Tonight, the Generation Game, Celebrity Squares, A Royal Gala for HRH Prince Charles, Live from the Palladium, The Brian Conley Show, Big Break, Only Joking, Davro on the Box, Des and Mel and recently hosting is own golfing series Through The Green, plus many more.

He was also been nominated in the British Comedy Awards.

A regular on radio too, over the past 25 years he has worked in pantomime - most memorably 16 years at the marlowe.

For several years he was also a non-executive director of Gillingham Football Club.

He received an MBE for his work for charity.

Sir Roger Gale, MP for North Thanet, was among many who paid tribute. He said: “Dave Lee was one of those rare and magical people who spread light and laughter to all around them. His irreverent humour was a source of huge merriment to which only the most staid and determinedly miserable could take offence because of the twinkle and self-deprecating wit with which even his most politically incorrect jokes were delivered.

“In support of his charitable work and legendary fundraising variety shows at the old Marlowe Theatre he was able to assemble casts of glittering quality who gave their services to Dave to raise tens of thousands of pounds for his Happy Holidays cause and as a patron of the East Kent Animal Centre he was equally forthcoming with endorsement and support.

“Remember Dave for his generosity, his kindness, his fortitude and, above all, with a chuckle. Somewhere in the hereafter he will already be entertaining those who have gone before him and the peals of the bells will be blended with peals of laughter.”

Posting comments on Twitter this morning, stars paid their tributes.

TV critic Garry Bushell said: “He was a wonderful comedian and a good friend. Heaven just got funnier.

Comic Bradley Walsh said: “He brought smiles to so many faces both as the comedian and through his charity.”

Meanwhile, England cricket hero Geraint Jones said a lasting memory of him should stand outside the Canterbury theatre. The wicketkeeper said: “A statue of him outside the Marlowe is deserved after his many years in panto and for his charity work.”