Tributes paid

Liverpool comic Mickey Finn has died at the age of 69.

The old-school stand-up, who was born Joseph Flannery, passed away in a hospice yesterday, four months after falling ill while appearing in Stan Boardman’s play Medals.

Fellow performers have been quick to pay tribute to the comic, who had worked the clubs for 50 years.

Ken Dodd told the Liverpool Echo: ‘Mickey Finn had the true comic spirit. There are good comedians who get applause and then there are the great comedians who are loved as well, and Mickey was loved. He had a comic imp inside him that saw the fun in life.

‘He was a supreme optimist and was never less than absolutely hilarious – and I don’t think anyone did as many charity shows.

‘In life, we all have our own hall of fame filled with great characters who have played a part in our lives – and Mickey is in my hall of fame right up there with other great comedians.’

Ricky Tomlinson added: ‘He was a great observer of people and had a great rapport with his audience. People just loved him. We will all miss him so much.’

And Les Dennis tweeted: ‘So sad to hear Mickey Finn died today. A truly funny man who made Merseyside laugh for decades. RIP.’

Published: 4 Mar 2016