Ventriloquist Keith Harris, famous for his act with his puppet duck Orville, died today aged 67, his agent said.

Agent Robert C Kelly said Harris, whom he described as a 'thoroughly decent man', was first diagnosed with cancer in 2013 and became ill again in January.

He said: 'I spoke to Keith most days, whether we had business to do or not. I think I laughed every single time we spoke.

'Keith was not only a technically great ventriloquist, he was also a gifted mimic and an extraordinarily funny man both on stage and off.

'Perhaps even rarer than that in showbiz, he was a thoroughly decent man, a great friend and a wonderful father and husband.'

Mr Harris revealed he was preparing to have a bone marrow transplant to a crowd at the Wild Duck Park in Great Yarmouth last year.

In 2013, he had an operation to remove his pancreas.

The 67-year-old died in Blackpool on Tuesday morning.

His showbiz career spanned more than 50 years.

Mr Harris is best known for his pantomime and TV shows with his puppets Orville the duck and Cuddles the monkey. Harris also had success in the music industry, scoring a UK top ten hit in 1982 with his single 'Orville's Song.'

'The Keith Harris Show' ran from 1982 to 1990, and he also gave private performances at the request of Diana, Princess of Wales. He performed at Prince William's third birthday at Highgrove House, and again at Kensington Palace on Prince Harry's third birthday.

Mr Harris also featured in five Royal Variety, and Children's Royal Variety, shows in total, before reinventing himself in the 2000s, touring student unions with his adult show, Duck Off.

In 2013, Harris was diagnosed with cancer of the spleen, and went through intensive chemotherapy following a spleen removal. He returned to performing, but told a Great Yarmouth audience last summer that he had fallen ill once again.

Among those paying tribute were singer and broadcaster Aled Jones, who said: 'Sad to hear of the death of Keith Harris - sending best wishes to his family and friends.'

Culture Secretary Sajid Javid said: 'Very sad to hear that Keith Harris has died after a battle with cancer. Brought joy to my childhood.'

Comedian Paddy McGuinness said: 'RIP Keith Harris, a part of my childhood gone.'

The singer had three children.