Menu
11/03/2005
Irish comedian Dave Allen dies aged 68
Dublin-born comedian Dave Allen, whose later trademark stand-up monologues were delivered from his chair with the obligatory glass of whiskey beside him, has died aged 68.
His agent confirmed today that Dave Allen had passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in West London.
Allen's brand of dry humour was epitomised by his two main television shows 'Tonight with Dave Allen' which ran on ITV from 1967 to 1969 and 'Dave Allen at Large,' on the BBC. The later series were typified by a straight-faced delivery of quirky jokes and irreverent anecdotes from the setting of a formally austere studio chair.
Dave Allen, born in Dublin as David Tynan O'Mahoney, had already become well known to audiences in the early 1960s via his guest appearances on Irish crooner Val Doonican's show on the BBC.
A former journalist, many of his earlier skits were based on witty takes on religious rituals, sex and the Pope and stemmed from Allen's strict Catholic upbringing. Despite this irreverent approach, his often religiously themed send-ups were deemed suitable for seasonal viewing and he had a series of Christmas and Easter specials throughout the mid-1980s.
However, he tended to use strong language and one of his routines in which he used the word f**k, led to an apology from the BBC and a question being asked in the House of Commons. He was, for a brief time, also banned from Australian TV following a particularly risque discussion on screen with Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore.
Following the 1990s ITV show 'An Evening With Dave Allen' and a return to the BBC he retired in 1999, spending much of his time painting.
He leaves behind his wife Karin and three children.
Allen's shameless reminder, after a typically outrageous irreverent set, that he was only joking, is perhaps best summed up in his sign off, "May your God go with you..."
(SP)
His agent confirmed today that Dave Allen had passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in West London.
Allen's brand of dry humour was epitomised by his two main television shows 'Tonight with Dave Allen' which ran on ITV from 1967 to 1969 and 'Dave Allen at Large,' on the BBC. The later series were typified by a straight-faced delivery of quirky jokes and irreverent anecdotes from the setting of a formally austere studio chair.
Dave Allen, born in Dublin as David Tynan O'Mahoney, had already become well known to audiences in the early 1960s via his guest appearances on Irish crooner Val Doonican's show on the BBC.
A former journalist, many of his earlier skits were based on witty takes on religious rituals, sex and the Pope and stemmed from Allen's strict Catholic upbringing. Despite this irreverent approach, his often religiously themed send-ups were deemed suitable for seasonal viewing and he had a series of Christmas and Easter specials throughout the mid-1980s.
However, he tended to use strong language and one of his routines in which he used the word f**k, led to an apology from the BBC and a question being asked in the House of Commons. He was, for a brief time, also banned from Australian TV following a particularly risque discussion on screen with Peter Cooke and Dudley Moore.
Following the 1990s ITV show 'An Evening With Dave Allen' and a return to the BBC he retired in 1999, spending much of his time painting.
He leaves behind his wife Karin and three children.
Allen's shameless reminder, after a typically outrageous irreverent set, that he was only joking, is perhaps best summed up in his sign off, "May your God go with you..."
(SP)
Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.
09 March 2005
ITV profits rocket despite dwindling audience share
ITV plc has reported a 57% rise in profits at the end of the first full year since it was spawned from the merger of Granada and Carlton - pre-tax profits for the group were £340 million.
ITV profits rocket despite dwindling audience share
ITV plc has reported a 57% rise in profits at the end of the first full year since it was spawned from the merger of Granada and Carlton - pre-tax profits for the group were £340 million.
08 August 2006
ITV chief Allen to leave broadcaster
ITV plc Chief Executive Charles Allen has announced that he is to leave the broadcasting giant. Finance Director John Cresswell will be appointed interim CEO from 1st October and that Allen will "work to facilitate an orderly transition". The search for a permanent successor is starting immediately and headhunters are being appointed.
ITV chief Allen to leave broadcaster
ITV plc Chief Executive Charles Allen has announced that he is to leave the broadcasting giant. Finance Director John Cresswell will be appointed interim CEO from 1st October and that Allen will "work to facilitate an orderly transition". The search for a permanent successor is starting immediately and headhunters are being appointed.
02 May 2012
Allen Charged With Double Murder
A 36-year-old man suspected of murdering a woman from Whitby and a man from Middlesborough has been charged. James Allen was also charged with rape, false imprisonment, assault and witness intimidation. The body of Colin Dunford, 81, was discovered at his home on 23 April and Julie Davison, 50, was discovered two days later.
Allen Charged With Double Murder
A 36-year-old man suspected of murdering a woman from Whitby and a man from Middlesborough has been charged. James Allen was also charged with rape, false imprisonment, assault and witness intimidation. The body of Colin Dunford, 81, was discovered at his home on 23 April and Julie Davison, 50, was discovered two days later.
18 January 2008
Lily Allen Suffers Miscarriage
Pop singer Lily Allen has suffered a miscarriage, it has been confirmed. The 22-year-old announced that she was expecting her first child with boyfriend, Ed Simons, 37, from dance duo the Chemical Brothers in December. At the time, her spokesperson said that the pregnancy was in a very early stage and asked for the singer's privacy to be respected.
Lily Allen Suffers Miscarriage
Pop singer Lily Allen has suffered a miscarriage, it has been confirmed. The 22-year-old announced that she was expecting her first child with boyfriend, Ed Simons, 37, from dance duo the Chemical Brothers in December. At the time, her spokesperson said that the pregnancy was in a very early stage and asked for the singer's privacy to be respected.
29 June 2007
Lily Allen questioned over alleged assault
Pop star Lily Allen has been questioned by police in connection with the alleged assault of a photographer outside a nightclub. The 22-year-old singer attended a police station in central London by appointment on Thursday. She was later released on bail to return on a date in late July.
Lily Allen questioned over alleged assault
Pop star Lily Allen has been questioned by police in connection with the alleged assault of a photographer outside a nightclub. The 22-year-old singer attended a police station in central London by appointment on Thursday. She was later released on bail to return on a date in late July.
-
Northern Ireland WeatherToday:A showery start with outbreaks most frequent north of Lough Neagh and through the morning, before dwindling during the afternoon as the northwest breezes ease and brighter spells of weak sunshine prosper. Maximum temperature 8 °C.Tonight:A dry night, save for a few light showers around the coasts, with prolonged clear spells and light winds bringing a frosty dawn for many in central and southern parts. Minimum temperature -3 °C.
