Sir Ken Dodd has been described as a “legend” and an “inspiration” as celebrities and fans shared fond memories of the popular comedian following his death at the age of 90.

The comic, who died on Sunday just days after leaving hospital, was famous for his epic stand-up shows and his tickling stick, and had a legion of loyal followers whom he continued to entertain even through his later years.

Sir Ken's nephew entrepreneur John Lewis, managing director of SOG Limited which manages The Heath Business and Technical Park in Runcorn accompanied him to Buckingham Palace to receive his knighthood.

The much loved legend performed in many clubs and pubs in Runcorn over the years.

Paying tribute to his uncle, John Lewis said: “We are very sad at the passing of Ken but he leaves us with so many fond memories and smiles.

“Of course he was the people’s entertainer who brought so much pleasure to so many for over six decades, but he was also a man who valued his privacy and his family.

“He and his beloved wife Anne lived at Ken’s childhood home in Knotty Ash where he lived his entire life.

“Anne has been Ken’s rock for over 40 years both working alongside him in his Happiness Show and as his life partner too.

“They married on Friday, March 9th and she is now Lady Anne. 

“Ken loved to be surrounded by his family and close friends and he loved Liverpool. 

“I believe my uncle Ken was Britain’s best loved entertainer, a unique comedian who was still playing to packed houses right up to the time he was taken ill over Christmas. 

“He was so proud when his Knighthood was announced and my wife Linda and I were honoured to be invited to accompany Ken and Anne to Buckingham Palace last March when he received his Knighthood from HRH Prince William, the Duke of Cambridge.

“It was an immensely proud moment for him and for all the family. It was also wonderful to see the love and affection shown to him in November during his 90th birthday celebrations.

“Before he was taken ill he was still performing to huge audiences. The fact that he staged his last show on December 28th in Liverpool, the place he loved so much and which bestowed upon him the great honour of Freeman of the City, is also very poignant.

“Happiness was my uncle Ken’s trademark and he never ceased to make people laugh.

“Personally, I am very grateful for the support and advice he gave to me.  He was very proud of my own achievements in the world of business and he always showed great interest in what Linda and our children Ryan and Beccy were doing.

“My lasting memory of my uncle Ken will be of the fun, laughter and happiness he brought to his family, as well as to all his fans who he entertained throughout his most extraordinary career. 

“Of course, we will all miss him greatly, but we will forever remember him with a smile.” 

As news of his death broke in the early hours of Monday morning, fellow comedians and television stars paid tribute to Sir Ken on social media.

Comic Gary Delaney called him “one of the all time greats”, and, referencing the fact Sir Ken’s shows could often last for hours on end, added: “The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and most of Saturday.”

RIP Sir Ken Dodd. One of the all time greats. The funeral will be held on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and most of Saturday.

— Gary Delaney (@GaryDelaney) March 12, 2018 Television personality Claire Sweeney, a fellow Liverpudlian, shared some photos of the star’s 90th birthday party on Twitter.

Alongside them, she wrote: “RIP Sir Ken Dodd. A legend and an inspiration. I have a lot to thank You for. I Was thrilled you had the best birthday party in Liverpool before you left us. Your city, friends,Family and Show business will miss you terribly.”

RIP Sir Ken Dodd. A legend and an inspiration. I have a lot to thank You for. I Was thrilled you had the best birthday party in Liverpool before you left us. Your city, friends,Family and Show business will miss you terribly. pic.twitter.com/iDeEC4yukJ — Claire Sweeney (@clairesweeney) March 12, 2018.

Paul Chan, known for playing Mr Wu in comedy series Benidorm, wrote about a chance encounter his mother had had with Sir Ken several decades ago.

He said: “In the late 70’s he came to my mum’s chippy and ordered fish ‘n’ chips. He left and sat in his Rolls Royce, parked outside, eating them. Then he came back in to ask for the bin and drove off. My mum didn’t know who he was. That’s my Ken Dodd story.”