Legendary comedian Sir Ken Dodd dies aged 90

Ken Dodd was thrilled to receive his knighthood earlier this year (Yui Mok / PA) — Ken Dodd (Yui Mok / PA)

SIR Ken Dodd has died at the age of 90, his publicist has announced.

The star, famous for his lengthy stand-up shows, as well as his Diddy Men and tickling stick, died just days after leaving hospital.

He married Anne Jones, his partner of 40 years, on Friday at their home in the Liverpool suburb of Knotty Ash, which was also the one he was born in.

His publicist Robert Holmes told the Press Association: “To my mind, he was one of the last music hall greats.

“He passed away in the home that he was born in over 90 years ago. He’s never lived anywhere else. It’s absolutely amazing.

“With Ken gone, the lights have been turned out in the world of variety.

“He was a comedy legend and genius.”

He added: “He asked Anne if she wanted to marry. They got the registrar and were married in the house on Friday.

“He died two days later on Mother’s Day. Anne is obviously very upset. They had been together for 40 years.

“It’s a love story to beat them all.”

Sir Ken spent more than six weeks in the Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital earlier this year, following a chest infection, leaving at the end of February.

He spoke to our sister title The Weekly News late last year as he approached his 90th birthday.

He said: “I have some great memories, but the present is what’s important. You can’t live in the past — it would be cheaper, but you can’t — and you don’t know about the future.

“I’m absolutely stage struck with showbusiness. While I can do it, I will do it.

‘I’m not ready to stop tickling the nation yet!’ says Ken Dodd at 90

“While I’ve got the health, I will always be an entertainer. I’ll admit that the shows are hard work and I spend a tremendous amount of time on the road — I clock up around 75,000 miles a year up and down the motorway like a human yo-yo.

“But I love it, I’ve got the best job in the world. I only see happy people!”