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Geordie entertainer Brendan Healy has died after a long battle with cancer.

The comedian, musician and actor died late last night with his family by his side.

A huge personality, Brendan, who was 59, was known to generations of families – as a musician, actor, comedian and for also being part of the team behind the `Geordie’ pantomimes at the Tyne Theatre and Opera House in Newcastle. He was also a highly sought after compere for events and as an after-dinner speaker.

Brendan performed at all Sunday For Sammy concerts at Newcastle City Hall and today the team behind the event said: “It’s with great sorrow that we announce the passing of our friend and colleague Brendan Healy. Brendan was a staunch supporter of Sunday for Sammy since day one.

“He was a warm, generous and hugely talented man whose constant aim was to help make our show bigger, better and funnier. It is a measure of his professionalism and friendship that even during these last few weeks he was he was still suggesting ideas for the show and getting involved.

“Brendan is irreplaceable and we will all miss him immensely. Our love goes to his family and friends.”

Fellow entertainer Maxie, who as part of the duo Maxie and Mitch thrilled thousands of panto goers over the years at the Tyne Theatre with Brendan, said today: “He was a great pal. One of the best. It was typically Brendan that he had his sense of humour right up to the end.

“It is very sad. I had known Brendan the best part of 30 years. He was just had one of those personalities that people warmed to. A great person.”

BBC Radio Newcastle presenter Paddy MacDee added: “’I’d known Brendan for knocking on 30 years, as both a friend and someone I’ve worked with professionally. He’s been a welcome guest on my radio show on many occasions and always had us in fits of laughter.

“I was lucky enough to work with Brendan in two pantos, in which he starred and directed. He was generous to a fault, great fun to work with, and the fun and games continued back stage! A truly lovely man.”

Paddy’s wife, Lyn Spencer, first worked with Brendan on Razzmatazz and said: “I’ve known Brendan for 35 years, we first met in the late 70s when we worked together on the national children’s programme Razzmatazz, and we continued to work together on a number of different projects when I moved into PR & Events, and Brendan was producing shows he needed promoting, or I was organising events that needed the perfect after-dinner speaker or entertainment.

“Brendan was No 1 choice every time. Brendan was the ultimate professional, multi-talented, hilarious to work with and much respected and loved by his family, friends and the general public.

“I remember, when I was about seven, being taken to Blackpool by my parents to see the great comedian Tommy Cooper. When Tommy walked onto the stage, everyone just started laughing. Being so young, I really didn’t understand why the audience was laughing when the comedian hadn’t yet done anything.

“Brendan had exactly the same magic, exactly the same effect on audiences throughout the UK, and everyone has their favourite Brendan Healy joke.

“Mine is:

`Husband: Eee pet, I’ve been reading this book called the Kami Sutri, it’s all about trying different positions and that. I wouldn’t mind having a go at the wheelbarra one tonight.

`Wife: Oh, OK then, but just don’t go past me mother’s!’”