Irish singer and TV entertainer Val Doonican has died aged 88.

His family told the BBC that he died “peacefully” on Wednesday night.

Singer and former television presenter Val Doonican (PA Archive)
Singer and former television presenter Val Doonican (PA)

The crooner was a big star in the 1960s and was a regular fixture on the BBC with the Val Doonican Show, which featured singing performances by artists.

He was married to Lynnette with whom he had two daughters.

His daughter Sarah told The Guardian: “Until 87, he was as fit as a flea. It was just old age, I’m afraid – the batteries ran out.”

Sir Bruce Forsyth said: “It is very sad. He was always a lovely man to work with.

Sir Bruce Forsyth
Sir Bruce Forsyth has paid tribute to Val Doonican (Ian West/PA)

“He had the top television show on the BBC. He had the warmth, the voice and the sweaters. He was one of the warmest personalities I think we have ever had.

“I did his show and then he did a couple of my shows.

“He was a very warm person, and number one in his field. He brought a lovely warmth with his personality and was a very popular man.”

Elaine Page and Tony Blackburn also expressed their sadness on Twitter.

Adrian Walsh, an Irish comedian who opened for Doonican for four years, described him as “one of the greats”.

He said: “Sometimes when you meet your heroes you are disappointed, but he exceeded all expectations.

“I’ve never met anyone who didn’t like Val, he was just a joy and a gent to work with.

“He would have told a story for 40 years and every night it would be like the first time he told it. I used to say to young comedians, go and watch Val and how he tells a story. He was unbelievable.

“He was a great family man and a beautiful guy.”