Showbiz
Frank Carson has died at the age of 85.
The Northern Irish comedian - famous for his catchphrases "It's a cracker" and "It's the way I tell 'em" - passed away at his home in Blackpool following a battle with stomach cancer, his spokesperson confirmed.
He had been suffering from poor health for some time, and underwent successful stomach surgery last year.
In a statement, his family said that Carson the "husband, father, Gaga and comedian set off for his final gig today".
"He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans - his extended family," they said.
"We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life. It's quieter down here now. God help them up there!!"
Carson rose to fame by winning talent show Opportunity Knocks three times in the 1960s. He later appeared in various television programmes including Tiswas and The Comedians.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Majella and sons Tony and Aidan, along with ten grandchildren.
> Frank Carson dies, aged 85
> Frank Carson dies: Celebrity tributes
> Frank Carson dies: His career on television - video
Watch Frank Carson in a clip from The Comedians below:
Scroll through a gallery of Frank Carson's life and career below:
The Northern Irish comedian - famous for his catchphrases "It's a cracker" and "It's the way I tell 'em" - passed away at his home in Blackpool following a battle with stomach cancer, his spokesperson confirmed.
© PA Images / Niall Carson/PA Archive
He had been suffering from poor health for some time, and underwent successful stomach surgery last year.
In a statement, his family said that Carson the "husband, father, Gaga and comedian set off for his final gig today".
"He went peacefully at his home in Blackpool surrounded by his greatest fans - his extended family," they said.
"We will be taking him home to Belfast to lay him to rest and celebrate his joyful life. It's quieter down here now. God help them up there!!"
© PA Images / Ian West/PA Archive
Carson rose to fame by winning talent show Opportunity Knocks three times in the 1960s. He later appeared in various television programmes including Tiswas and The Comedians.
He is survived by his wife Ruth, daughter Majella and sons Tony and Aidan, along with ten grandchildren.
> Frank Carson dies, aged 85
> Frank Carson dies: Celebrity tributes
> Frank Carson dies: His career on television - video
Watch Frank Carson in a clip from The Comedians below:
Scroll through a gallery of Frank Carson's life and career below:
Copyright: Rex Features FremantleMedia Ltd
More: Frank Carson, Showbiz
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