GLASGOW band The McLean Sisters have told of their shock at the death of close pal Sir Ken Dodd.

Shirley and Mel told the Evening Times of their heartbreak after saying goodbye to the “king of Liverpool”.

The duo met “Doddy” after they were signed by the same London agent in the 1970s and spent almost a decade touring the UK with him.

Shirley said: “Not everyone is as nice as they seem to be in showbiz, but he was. He was so much fun off stage. He was one of these people you thought would go on forever. It was a bit of a shock to hear the news.”

The duo, along with late sister Pam, became close to the comedy great and his partner Anne, whom he married just two days before his death on Sunday, aged 90.

Among their fonder memories on stage, Shirley told of Sir Ken’s fantastic singing voice – and his attempts at a Scottish accent.

Once the trio were asked to do the voice of Sir Ken’s infamous Diddy Men – which required a thick Liverpudlian accent – a skill that was not easy to master for the three Glasgow girls.

During another show, the group made notoriously punctual Sir Ken late by sending him up to the top of the building by accidentally pressing the wrong button in a lift.

The beloved star took it all in his stride, but he made sure the shows ran smoothly so as not to disappoint his adoring fans.

Shirley added: “Our memories of his shows were really happy – but he ran a really tight ship.

“He would always say he wanted people to be happier going out than they were coming in.”

Sir Ken, famous for his epic stand-up shows, his tickling sticks and Diddy Men, died on Sunday in the home he was born in, in the Liverpool suburb of Knotty Ash.

His new wife was at his bedside.

The Liverpool comedian left hospital on February 27 at the end of a six-week stay for a chest infection.

“The last time we saw him was 2014,” Shirley added. “He invited us along to the Pavilion and we sat until 2am going over old memories and we just laughed and laughed.

“It’s very upsetting and no doubt we will be going down to attend his service. It’s part of our history.

“To have worked with him from such a young age, we grew up with him.

“And we’re just really glad we went to see him that night.”

Sir Ken, known for his unruly hair and teeth, performed his very last show just months ago, at The Auditorium in the Liverpool Echo Arena, in his native city, on December 28.

But all 2018 dates had to be cancelled due to his illness and hospital stay.

Iain Gordon, from the Pavilion, where Sir Ken played his last Scottish show in July last year, said: “Everyone has said it over and over again, he is the last of the comedy greats, it is a sad day for music halls and theatres throughout the country.

“Always the gentlemen, always the professional, always the performer.” It did not matter how sore his legs were or how tired he was after the journey to Scotland, when the band played his opening number he lit up brighter than a Christmas tree.

We will miss his annual visit to the theatre, I will personally miss him shouting up to me; “Hi Mr Iain.” I thank him for always choosing the Pavilion for his shows in Glasgow and I learned more from him over the years than any other performer.

"Thank you Sir Ken it has been a pleasure to work with you and thank you from all our customers who returned year after year, some with their flasks and a sandwich, as they got ready for a long but hilarious night of entertainment.

"Here’s to you Sir!"