TRIBUTES from Suffolk have been paid today to tv star Jeremy Beadle, who has died at the age of 59.The star, a stalwart of Saturday night TV during the 1980s and 1990s, died in hospital after a short battle with pneumonia.

TRIBUTES from Suffolk have been paid today to TV star Jeremy Beadle, who has died at the age of 59.

The star, a stalwart of Saturday night TV during the 1980s and 1990s, died in hospital after a short battle with pneumonia.

His wife, Sue, and close friends were at his bedside. He had battled ill health in recent years, having been diagnosed with cancer in 2005.

Beadle was one of ITV's best known faces for more than 15 years, regularly pulling in audiences in excess of 15 million for shows such as Beadle's About and You've Been Framed.

Hazel Clover, manager of Ipswich's Regent theatre said the star was well known for his decency in the industry.

She said: “I know a number of people who worked with Jeremy and he was very well regarded in the industry. He worked mainly in television but he was a thoroughly decent man and his death is a sad loss.

“He had a great talent and he was well respected for being an honourable and decent man.”

Joanna Rudge, of Gibbons Road in Ipswich, helped Jeremy Beadle open the Littlewoods Index store in Tower Ramparts in 1988.

She was four years old at the time and can remember little of the event - although has seen pictures of the event.

Now 24, she said today: "I was in the shop with my dad and I understand Jeremy Beadle just turned around and asked if I could help him open the store.

"I haven't really followed his career that closely, but I'm sorry to hear he has died."

Henry Kelly, Beadle's co-presenter on Eighties hidden camera show Game For A Laugh, said: “Jeremy and I were firm friends for nearly 30 years. I loved and admired him and I shall miss him desperately.

“Not only was he a terrific colleague in our Game For A Laugh days and beyond, but he was a most wonderful friend to have and the most entertaining company you could possibly imagine.”

Game For A Laugh ran from 1981-1985 and also featured Matthew Kelly and Sarah Kennedy.

Ms Kennedy said: “I'm very, very sad for him and his family to know that he's gone.”

Beadle was a significant fundraiser for Children with Leukaemia throughout his life and is estimated to have helped to raise more than £100 million for charities of all description.

He was awarded an MBE in 2001.

Beadle leaves his wife Sue, daughters Cassie and Bonnie, and step children Leo and Claire.

Were you a fan of Jeremy Beadle? Did you meet the prankster? Write to Your Letters, Evening Star, 30 Lower Brook Street, Ipswich, IP4 1AN or send an e-mail to eveningstarletters@eveningstar.co.uk