23 February 2012Last updated at 09:28

In pictures: Frank Carson

Northern Irish comedian Frank Carson, who was best known for the catchphrases "It's a cracker" and "It's the way I tell 'em", has died aged 85.

The star's career in showbusiness began after he made regular appearances on the TV music hall revival show, The Good Old Days. He went on to win the 1960s talent show Opportunity Knocks three times.

He starred alongside fellow comedians Bernard Manning (pictured), Charlie Williams, Mike Reid and Jim Bowen in the 1970s TV series, The Comedians. Known for his self-deprecating sense of humour, Carson's other shows included Who Do You Do? and variety show The Wheeltappers and Shunters Social Club.

"He was a good man - you're always smiling with people like Frank around," said former chat show host Sir Michael Parkinson, who was among those who paid tribute to the late comedian.

Carson also worked closely with charity organisations in Northern Ireland. In 1987 he was knighted into the order of St Gregory at a private audience with Pope John Paul II in Rome.

A christmas edition of Blankety Blank in 1986

A familiar face on British TV in the 1970s and 80s, Carson went back to his roots in stand-up over the past 20 years and was performing hundreds of shows as recently as 2008.

The son of a binman, Carson was born in Belfast on 6 November 1926. He had suffered poor health in recent years and passed away at his home in Blackpool, surrounded by his family.

Entertainment & Arts

In pictures: Frank Carson

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