Veteran comedian Sir Norman Wisdom dies

His family said he died "peacefully" yesterday evening at the Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man.

He had suffered a series of strokes over the past six months.

In a statement, the family said: "Sir Norman Wisdom has today passed away at Abbotswood Nursing Home on the Isle of Man.

"Over the last six months Norman has sustained a series of strokes causing a general decline in both his physical and mental health.

"He had maintained a degree of independence until a few days ago.

"However, over the last few days his condition rapidly declined.

"He was in no pain or distress and peacefully passed over at 18.46 on October 4."

Phil Day, who had been Sir Norman's publicist since 1969, paid tribute to him last night as a "lovely man" who was "100 per cent professional".

Mr Day, who chose Sir Norman to be his daughter's godfather, said: "He never turned down any request. He never threw a tantrum. He was 100 per cent professional all of the time.

"Of all the artists I've ever worked with, he's been the closest. It's a sad day."

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