Farewell to gem of a local comedian

by
14th May 2016

 Farewell to gem of a local comedian

A comedy legend who brought laughter to hundreds of Southport and Blackpool people has died.

Jack Diamond died from a heart attack at the age of 75 at Southport Hospital on Thursday morning.

The former comedian, who basked in the spotlight on Blackpool’s biggest stages for more than 25 years, was made famous by his witty one-liners andtalent for ad-libbing.

His shining career saw him rub shoulders with world-famous stars such as Eartha Kitt, Roy Orbison, The Walker Brothers, The Beatles, and Les Dawson, who he performed with throughout the 70s and 80s.

His widow, former Roly Poly dancer Marie Ashton, 79, said: “He loved showbusiness. It was always a joy to see him working.

“Blackpool and Southport was the centre of entertainment at the time. He loved going down and talking to people in the audience and insulting them in a friendly way. He would say things like, ‘where did you get that necklace? A cracker?’

“The crowds loved him. He was always a big favourite at The Grand.”

 

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