Tributes pour in for entertainment legend Lionel Blair, who has died aged 92

Virgin Radio

5 Nov 2021, 09:51

Entertainer, TV presenter and dancer Lionel Blair, who had a career that spanned seven decades, has died aged 92, his agent has said.

Having worked in the West End and then risen to stardom in variety shows, the legend was much-loved as one one of the team captains on charades game show Give Us a Clue. More recently, he appeared in Celebrity Big Brother in 2004, the Extras Christmas Special in 2007, and The Real Marigold Hotel.

Following his death in the early hours on Thursday morning, tributes have been flooding in, with people from the showbiz world paying their respects to the star. 

Gyles Brandreth wrote on Twitter: “Lionel Blair - he was just the best: a powerhouse of positivity and a wonderful talent as a dancer, choreographer & entertainer. He told me stories of his time with Errol Flynn & Ernest Hemingway - he lived his long life to the full & leaves a legacy of style & smiles & laughter.”

Bonnie Langford posted a picture of herself dancing with the star. With it, she wrote: “Dear Lionel. Privileged to have been your dance partner. #Lionelblair”

Comedian Ed Byrne tweeted: “One of the highlights of my short lived Saturday morning radio show on BBC London (which I co hosted with my mother) was when we had Lionel Blair as a guest. Smoking fags and knocking back gin and tonics with us at 11am. We even got him to tap dance on a sheet of plywood. Legend.”

Actress Vicki Michelle took to social media to say: “So Upset to hear about the passing of Lionel Blair. An Amazing Lovely man. Talented Fun and a Joy to work with and know as a fabulous friend. Loved him Rest In Peace. Sending love and condolences to Sue and Family xxx #LionelBlair #Legend”

Many more names from the entertainment world also paid tribute: 

Actress Amanda Barrie wrote: “I miss you already, dear Lionel. Laughing from 1954 until two weeks ago. From dance, stage, and screen, you kickstarted so many of our careers. But our shared laughter is my greatest tribute. “And a 5,6,7,8….””

Writer Tony Parsons said: “Lionel Blair rocked. Always loved him as the British sailor on shore leave dancing with Nancy Kwan in The World of Suzie Wong. Dance into eternity, you top man.”

Lionel Blair's career also saw him appear in the Beatles film A Hard Day’s Night and take part in an amazing dance-off against Sammy Davis Jr at the Royal Variety Performance in 1961. 

The performer was born Henry Lionel Ogus in Canada in 1928. He moved to Britain at the age of two, growing up in Stamford Hill, north London. He married Susan Blair in 1967 and the couple had three children.