Val Doonican obituary
Singer who entertained viewers for many years as the easygoing host of his own TV show
He was not on the list.
The Irish singer and entertainer Val Doonican has died aged 88.
Doonican passed away peacefully in his home on Wednesday evening, his family told The BBC.
He had five top 10 hits throughout the sixties and starred in his own BBC programme, The Val Doonican Show , between 1965 and 1986. The programme included performances from Doonican and other guest artists.
Doonican was born in Waterford, in Ireland, and went on to appear in the city's first ever television broadcast. He moved to England in 1951 and joined The Four Ramblers before embarking on a solo career.
Some of his most widely-known hits include the songs "Walk Tall", which reached number 3 in the UK charts, and his cover of "Elusive Butterfly", which hit number 5.
Doonican filmed 25 Christmas specials throughout his broadcasting career, but told The Express in 2013 he often found them hard to watch.
“They became something of a national institution, attracting audiences of up to 19 million," he said. "But I couldn’t bear to watch. It felt embarrassing seeing myself. We’d sit as a family enjoying ourselves but as soon as my show started, I’d nip off to another room.
Doonican said he was "never dizzy with stardom" and "didn't take it too seriously", but still received occasional fan mail. He enjoyed painting, golf, and spending time with his family in their Buckinghamshire home.
He is survived by his wife Lynn and their two daughters, Sarah and Fiona.
Writer
Christmas Eve with Val Doonican
TV Special
written by
1987
Christmas Eve with Val Doonican
TV Special
written by
1986
The Val Doonican Music Show
5.9
TV Series
writer
special material
written by ...
1975–1985
83 episodes
Val Doonican in The Val Doonican Show (1970)
The Val Doonican Show
6.0
TV Series
writer
1972
5 episodes
Saturday Variety (1972)
Saturday Variety
TV Series
writer
1972
5 episodes
Val Doonican in The Val Doonican Show (1965)
The Val Doonican Show
6.6
TV Series
special material
1965–1970
63 episodes
Diana Ross in BBC Show of the Week (1965)
BBC Show of the Week
8.8
TV Series
special material
1968–1969
2 episodes
Music Department
The Val Doonican Music Show
5.9
TV Series
original music and lyrics by
1984
1 episode
Singalong Saturday
TV Series
singer & guitarist
1964
1 episode
Actor
The Human Jungle (1963)
The Human Jungle
7.9
TV Series
Jim Garner (guitar) (uncredited)
1964
1 episode
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