Northern Irish comedian Frank Carson best known for the catch phrases "It's a cracker" and "It's the way I tell 'em", has died aged 85.Carson had suffered from poor health and his family said he passed away at his home in Blackpool, Lancashire.
The comic rose to fame in the 1960s after winning talent show Opportunity Knocks three times. He went on to appear in The Comedians and Tiswas.
Plans are being made for a funeral in his home town of Belfast.
Carson had a successful operation for stomach cancer last year, but told the BBC his health had been a problem for some time.
"I have had a bad five years," he added.
"First it was the pacemaker, then it was a new knee, then I had a hernia and then of course I had this problem."
The family statement said Carson "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. 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!!"
http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-17046201
Topic: Frank Carson dies at 85 (Read 1448 times)