Warm-up king Bobby Bragg dies

He worked on Only Fools and TV Burp

Comedian and leading warm-up man Bobby Bragg who has died, more than two years after being diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

He had small roles in almost two dozen TV comedies, including Ever Decreasing Circles, Open All Hours, The Brittas Empire and My Family.

But he was most in demand as a studio audience compere working on shows such as Gladiators, Harry Hill's TV Burp and Only Fools And Horse

That show's star John Challis, who played Boycie, tweeted: 'Gutted to hear that our dear friend Bobby Bragg has lost his battle with cancer. Thanks for all the laughs.'

Bragg even appeared in three episodes of Only Fools prequel Rock And Chips, playing Don.

Comic and Benidorm actor Ted Robbins, himself no stranger to warm-up work tweeted: 'TV legend & friend Bobby Bragg passed away today. All in the business loved and respected him. God Bless Braggy.'

Comedian Jeff Stevenson, who also performs as Harvey Oliver, added: 'So sad to hear that my mate and fellow warm up man Bobby Bragg @b_bragg has passed away. The business has lost a proper pro . RIP Braggy.'

Bragg's son, Matt, confirmed his death on Twitter, saying: 'Sadly my dad lost his battle with pancreatic cancer this afternoon. He fought it incredibly bravely for two and a half years. We're all very proud. He was peaceful with his family. He'll be missed greatly.'

Bragg was given nine months to live in February 2014, but outlasted that by almost two years. And he remained in good spirits till the end, posting an upbeat video online just last month.

In it he joked: 'I've lost 10 stone - does that put me up for slimmer of the year, do you reckon?' and 'I wouldn't say things are bad but my wheelie bins are getting out more than I am.'