Famous ventriloquist Keith Harris dies aged 67

One of Britain’s best loved entertainers has died this morning after losing his battle with liver cancer.

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by Ellie Hooper |
Published on

The ventriloquist, who was best known for his act with a green puppet called Orville, passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Tuesday, two years after being diagnosed with the illness.

His agent Robert C Kelly said: ‘It is with great sadness that I announce the death of my friend and client Keith Harris whom I have known for well over 20 years.’

Keith Harris at the height of his career

‘In 2013 Keith suffered a loss of appetite and a swelling in his abdomen, initially unsure of the cause, the doctors eventually removed his spleen and after a biopsy began treating Keith for cancer.’

After receiving treatment for cancer of the Spleen, Harris underwent long and difficult treatments in the next two years, seemingly recovering in 2014, but by January this year it was clear he was once again unwell.

It was then that doctors revealed Harris was suffering from liver cancer, and had just months left to live.

Keith leaves behind two teenage children, Kitty, 15, and Shenton, 13, and grown up daughter Skye, 27.

Our thoughts go out to Keith’s family, friends and fans.

Watch Keith in action below:

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