Keith Harris of Keith Harris and Orville fame passes away

by Joe Jeffrey
Harris revealed he was cancer-free just a year ago at North Wales caravan park
The entertainment world woke to sad news today, following the announcement that ventriloquist Keith Harris, famous for his act with sidekick Orville the Duck, had died in hospital in Blackpool following a lengthy battle with cancer. He was 67-years-old.
A mainstay on Saturday night television between 1982 and 1990, Harris later took to performing at caravan and holiday parks across the country in various residences.
Harris’ most notable accolade was his hit single, featuring Orville the Duck, ‘I Wish I Could Fly’, which reached number four in the UK charts in 1983, selling 400,000 copies.
First diagnosed with cancer of the spleen in 2013, Harris underwent four months of chemotherapy before being given the all-clear and allowing the entertainer to return to the stage, during which he revealed to the audience at a caravan park in Prestatyn, North Wales that he had beaten the horrible disease.
Unfortunately Harris became ill again in January this year, and the cancer returned to claim his life this time around.
Tributes poured in from the entertainment industry yesterday following news reaching showbiz circles of the entertainer’s demise, including singer and broadcaster Aled Jones, who wrote: “Sad to hear of the death of Keith Harris – sending best wishes to his family and friends.”
Keith Chegwin tweeted: “So Sad. A great entertainer and all round nice man Keith Harris has passed away. Best wishes to his family at this sad time. RIP x.”
Harris is survived by his fourth wife Sarah, and their two children, Kitty and Shenton, as well as a daughter, Skye, from his first marriage to singer Jacqui Scott.
Our condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.