IRISH musician Val Doonican has died at the age of 88.

His family said he died “peacefully” on Wednesday night.

Glasgow Times:

His daughter Sarah said: "“Until 87, he was as fit as a flea. It was just old age, I’m afraid – the batteries ran out.

“I don’t think there’s a person in the world that would have a bad thing to say about him.

“He was every bit as lovely as he appeared on the television. There was no side to him at all. He was a delightful, delightful man.”

Glasgow Times:

The singer and TV entertainer was a constant fixture of the UK Singles Chart in the 60s and 70s, with songs like Elusive Butterfly and You Were Always On My Mind.

His album Val Doonican Rocks, But Gently knocked The Beatles’ Sgt Pepper off the top of the albums chart in 1968.

Doonican’s television programme The Val Doonican Show ran from 1965 to 1986 and featured his own performances and guest artists.

He had been born into a musical family in Waterford, Ireland, and joined The Four Ramblers in the 1950s.

He married his wife, the dancer Lynnette Rae, while both were touring with Anthony Newley - the man who persuaded him to go solo.

Doonican and Lynnette celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary in April 2012

Doonican stopped performing in 2009, spending time between Buckinghamshire and his second hom in Spain.

His television show came after a performance on Sunday Night at the Palladium and the programme ran for more than 20 years.

Doonican was famous for his gentle style, singing songs such as Paddy McGinty’s Goat and O’Rafferty’s Motor Car from a rocking chair and wearing knitted cardigans and jumpers.

He also spoke of his passions for golf and painting, becoming a talented watercolour painter.

Tributes were paid to the performer on Twitter with people fondly remembering his TV show and bright cardigans.

He is survived by his wife Lynn, daughters Sarah and Fiona and grandchildren Bethany and Scott.