TV host and comedy writer Denis Norden dies aged 96

RIP.

Influential TV host and comedy writer Denis Norden has died at the age of 96.

The star, best known for hosting ITV’s It’ll Be Alright On The Night, passed away after an extensive stay at North London’s Royal Free Hospital.

“A wonderful dad, a loving grandfather and great great-grandfather – he gave his laughter mongering to so many”, his family confirmed in a statement.

“He will be in our hearts forever.”

His children, Nick and Maggie Norden, added: “We’d like to say a huge thank you to all the dedicated staff and doctors who have looked after him – with much devotion.”

Norden was born in Hackney, east London, in February 1922 and trained as a manager at London’s popular ‘picture palaces’ during the 1930s. The star  first became involved in comedy after writing shows to entertain the troops in World War II, where he served alongside fellow comedy hero Eric Sykes.

He presented ITV bloopers show ‘It’ll Be Alright On The Night’ for 29 years, before his eventual retirement in 2006. After stepping down from the show, he focuses his attention on promoting awareness of macular disease – a degenerative eye condition that affected him.

During his 70-year career, he also became an acclaimed writer for both TV and film – penning the Oscar-nominated screenplay Buona Sera, Mrs Campbell in 1968.

 

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