Freddie Starr death: Amanda Holden asks fans to remember late comedian 'with a smile'

Amanda Holden has paid tribute to Freddie Starr after he died at the age of 76, voicing her hopes that his comic legacy will be “remembered with a smile.”

The Merseyside-born comedian and impressionist, who rose to fame in the 1970s, was found dead at his home in Costa Del Sol, Spain.

The Britain’s Got Talent judge joined a host of famous names paying tribute to Starr, telling her Twitter followers that it is “important” to remember his “once huge popularity & fame.”

“Sad to hear of Freddie Starr passing today,” she wrote, sharing a black and white image of the late comic.

“His style may have fallen out of comedy fashion & favour - but it’s important to recognise his once huge popularity & fame.

“The outrageous & edgy parody’s [sic] were infamous. I hope his legacy is not smalled down and he’s remembered with a smile.”

Holden’s followers were quick to voice their agreement, describing the entertainer as “one of a kind” and a “British comedy genius.”

“RIP Freddie Starr. Probably viewed these days as hugely non-PC but my God, he made me laugh,” one fan wrote.

“So well put Amanda,” another agreed. “There are many who fall into this category now and very few will stay relevant in years to come. He had his time at the top of his game and it should be remembered.”

“Well said!” a third wrote. “He was absolutely brilliant at what he did and a brilliant comic saw him live on numerous occasions he could make you laugh just from his face.”

Starr’s fellow comics Jim Davidson and Bobby Davro also paid tribute to Starr on Twitter, with Davidson describing him as “the greatest.”

“He was the funniest man I have ever seen,” Davro said. “I’m so sad we have lost one of our greatest comedy talents. RIP Freddie.”

TV presenter Anne Diamond hailed Starr as “an incredible and unique talent,” adding: “I remember being in a tv green room with him at Elstree studios and became exhausted with laughter at his repartee. Always difficult and awkward to interview but always worth it! Loved him.”