Comedian Dave Evans has died his friends have said.
Evans, the father of comedy star Lee Evans, had apparently not performed for some years due to his health.
The performer had a double act with his wife, Lee’s mum, Shirley. Lee also has an older brother, Wayne.
Ventriloquist and Britain’s Got Talent star Steve Hewlett paid tribute to the comedian on Facebook, and said he would dedicate his next performance to his friend.
He wrote: ‘Took some time out of writing for this sad post.
‘I can’t not pay tribute to an inspiration and incredibly talented man and friend who I was proud to work with on the QE2, Princess Cruises and on Cromer Pier and he was a Special part of Re~Educating Archie (his last stage appearance) in 2012 playing Max Bygraves & Harry Secombe for me & Colin Burnett-Dick.
‘For 7 years he was unable to perform due to his health and I can’t imagine his frustration of wanting to get back up there but he loved talking about the business and had the best stories and his double act with Shirley had me in stitches every visit!’
Hewlett went on: ‘Today I am sad, the phonecalls and our meetings i will miss, as friends don’t use the phone much anymore and Dave was one of the few that did pick up and call.
‘My next show on P&O will be in memory of Dave which i know would mean alot to him especially as this ship leaves P&O in August.
‘The end of an era, the end of a Legend. R.I.P. mate.’
He also tweeted: ‘R.I.P. mate xxx a True Variety, Musical & Comedy Legend Dave Evans.’
R.I.P. mate xxx a True Variety, Musical & Comedy Legend Dave Evans ??? pic.twitter.com/0vxfyzNKxG
— Steve Hewlett (@ventriloquist29) June 10, 2019
Entertainer Pete Matthews also paid tribute on Facebook, writing: ‘I worked with Dave many times. He was a pros pro. Very sad news indeed. RIP Dave Evans.’
Metro.co.uk has contacted Lee Evans’ publicist for comment.
In 2014 when he announced his retirement from touring, Lee spoke of his father giving him the drive to keep working.
He told The Jonathan Ross Show at the time: ‘I started off cleaning toilets when I was a kid and I’ve had loads of jobs and I just kept working and working and working.
‘My dad always said to us ‘you’ve got to work’ so I’ve just continuously worked, done comedy, toured, but I’ve ignored, I think for far too long, my missus and I want to spend a lot more time with her.’
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