Jeremy Beadle has died

31 January 2008 - TV prankster Jeremy Beadle has died at the age of 59.

Beadle - who hosted some of the 80s and 90s most popular programmes on ITV, including 'Game For A Laugh', 'Beadle's About' and 'You've Been Framed' - died of pneumonia last night (30.01.08).

He leaves behind his wife Sue, daughters Cassie and Bonnie and stepchildren Leo and Claire.

Paul Jackson, ITV's director of entertainment, said: "We are incredibly saddened to hear the news and our sympathy goes out to Jeremy's family."

Beadle was born in Hackney, east London, in 1948.

He first came to the public's attention in 1981, when he presented practical joke show 'Game For A Laugh' with Matthew Kelly, Sarah Kennedy and Henry Kelly.

His hidden camera programme, 'Beadle's About', later became one of ITV's top-rated shows, as was 'You've Been Framed', which featured viewers' video howlers.

He was often criticised and mocked for his TV shows, but Beadle was philosophical about it.

He once said: "I think people are guilty about enjoying the cruelty of comedy which is always at someone else's expense."

As well becoming a TV star, Beadle - who had Poland Syndrome, leaving him with a stunted right hand, and had previously fought kidney cancer and leukaemia - will be remembered for his tireless efforts for charity.

He made over £100 million for Children With Leukaemia and a host of other charities, and awarded an MBE in 2001.

Tributes have been pouring in for Beadle including from his former TV rival Noel Edmonds.

Edmonds said the pair enjoyed a "friendly rivalry" when Beadle presented 'Game For A Laugh' and he hosted the BBC's 'Late Late Breakfast Show'.

He added: "I am so shocked at the news. I didn't realise he was so ill.

"He was a consummate professional but also a greatly misunderstood man - a great TV talent who was never truly appreciated."

Eddie O'Gorman, Children with Leukaemia's founder, added: "Jeremy was not only a close personal friend and an extraordinary entertainer, he was one of the most dedicated supporters this charity has ever seen."

(C) BANG Media International