British entertainer Kenny Lynch has died at the age of 81, his family has announced.
On Thursday morning, a post was shared on his official Twitter page by his two children, which read: “Saddened to share this news with you all. Sadly our dad passed away in the early hours this morning. He will be remembered & missed by many.
“We would like to say a massive thank you to the NHS & the people at Sue Ryder for all their support. Bye Dad, we will love you always!”
Kenny shot to fame in the early 1960s as the singer of top 10 hits including Up On The Roof and You Can Never Stop Me Loving You.
He also enjoyed success as a songwriter for other artists, with acts like Cilla Black and the Small Faces recording his compositions.
In 1962, he also competed in A Song For Europe, in a bid to represent the UK at Eurovision, but lost out to singer Angela Morley with her track Ring-A-Ding Girl.
As well as his music career, Kenny also appeared in multiple films, including Dr Terror’s House Of Horrors, Carry On Loving and, in 2007, the crime thriller The Riddle, alongside Vinnie Jones, Derek Jacobi and Vanessa Redgrave.
Kenny also acted in shows like The Sweeney and Till Death Do Us Part, and was one of the stars featured on Wings’ Band On The Run album cover, which featured actor Christopher Lee and broadcaster Michael Parkinson.
Last year, Kenny toured the UK with fellow variety performers Jimmy Tarbuck and Anita Harris, as well as appearing in the ITV series Last Laugh In Vegas, which also featured Cannon and Ball, Bernie Clifton and Su Pollard.
Radio presenter Danny Baker was among those leading the tributes to Lynch, tweeting that he was a “huge talent, a pioneer and tremendous company”.
He added: “One of the key witnesses to the 20th UK music/entertainment scene he had a million stories. Yet one of the cagiest interviewees when on air.
“Wasn’t interested in his ‘place’ in pop culture. He was there.”
Sports broadcaster Gary Lineker tweeted: “Really sorry to hear that Kenny Lynch has passed away. Such a delightful, funny, talented man. Played golf with him on many occasions and he was simply the best company … when he wasn’t late. #ripkenny.”
Singer Boy George tweeted: “God Bless Kenny Lynch. R.I.P. My love and condolences to his family and friends. Absolutely huge part of my 70s life and on.”
Kenny is survived by his children, Amy and Bobby.
