'SUPERMARKET SWEEP KING'
Piers Morgan and Davina McCall leads tributes to Dale Winton after he dies aged 62
PIERS Morgan has led the tributes to TV legend Dale Winton after he died aged 62.
Ant McPartlin's wife Lisa Armstrong told her fans she'd only seen the Supermarket Sweep and National Lottery presenter last week and was devastated by the news.
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In a statement it was confirmed Dale passed away at his home yesterday.
His long-term agent Jan Kennedy said: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today.
“While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief.”
After the sad news broke, his fans flooded social media with tributes to the telly star - with Piers leading the messages of condolences.
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Piers told his followers: “RIP Dale Winton, 62. Very sad news. A warm, funny man & superb TV presenter.”
Lisa said she was: “absolutely gutted” by the news.
She added: “Only saw him last week. He was one of life’s true gentleman, a heart of gold with a wicked sense of humour. RIP lovely man.”
Davina McCall also paid tribute to Dale and told her followers: “I am so so so sad to hear about Dale Winton. A lovely, warm, kind, sensitive, generous soul with a touch of naughty! RIP.”
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David Walliams, who featured Dale in a cameo role in his BBC series 'Come Fly with Me', tweeted a heartfelt tribute to the star this morning, describing him as the "best company."
"He adored being in show business and loved meeting fans.
"He devoted his life to making everyone else happy, his friends, the public and his godsons, even though he found it hard to be happy himself.
"I pray he has found peace."
Graham Norton tweeted: “Dale Winton gave me the best bit of showbiz advice I ever got - Don’t quit the hit! Thank you Dale.”
Good Morning Britain's Richard Arnold paid tribute to the star today, saying: "62, that's no age at all. I knew him in the '90's.
"It was that warmth, he was always so incredibly warm. He was always full of pearls of wisdom whenever you met him."
Frank Bruno added: “Very sad to hear that Dale Winton has passed away, to to young, my thoughts are with his family.”
Actor Jack Whitehall said: “Desperately sad news about Dale Winton. A really funny and kind person gone too soon, RIP.”
Paddy McGuinness was a big fan of Dale's and said last night “Sad news. Back in the day Supermarket Sweep was the programme to watch. Dale Winton was the perfect host, he made it all look effortless. RIP.”
Dale's good friend David Walliams simply wrote online: “Heartbroken”.
Chef James Martin described Dale as the “perfect gent”, while Blue's Antony Costa told his Twitter followers he was devastated at the news.
He wrote: “No no no my old friend #dalewinton has died I’m absolutely devastated one of the most kindest men you could ever meet...#RIPdalewinton.”
Les Dennis added: “So sad and shocked to hear that Dale Winton has died. He was a lovely, warm man who posed charm. RIP.”
While Toby Anstis said to his fans: “Totally shocked to read this about Dale Winton. Really didn’t expect this, another one of those years when we seem to be losing too many too soon. #ripdale.”
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Hollyoaks star Ross Adams revealed he worked with Dale when he first got his breakthrough in the industry.
He explained: “So sad to hear about Dale Winton.
“Many moons ago when I was a runner at Granada he presented a show in Studio 12. Before the cameras rolled he made a point of saying a warm personal hello to every member of the crew. A lovely man.”
Paul Chuckle sent his condolences and said: “Shocked to hear of the death of Dale Winton, 62 is no age, how very sad. Thoughts are with his family and friends. RIP Dale.”
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Kate Phillips, controller of entertainment commissioning at the BBC, said: "Dale was an immensely well-loved individual who brought a wonderfully unique and special energy to the many programmes he presented over the years.
"He was extremely kind, brilliantly funny and was a true gentleman.
"It is incredibly sad news that he is no longer with us."
Dale last appeared on screen in February for his show Florida Fly Drive.
He was plagued with health problems in the months leading up to his sad passing.
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He told the : “I’ve kept a low profile because I had about four surgeries.
“I had a shoulder problem and a knee problem, so I took a break to get myself sorted.
“It meant I couldn’t exercise, so I’ve been dieting like crazy, but then when I was asked to do this show I thought it would be fun.”
He also spoke about his hopes to return to the show that he was best known for, Supermarket Sweep.
He said: “Well, the company that made it originally took it to the TV festival in Cannes recently and it created a lot of interest.
“I loved doing that show so if they wanted to do it again I would.”
The classic intro to Supermarket Sweep starring late and much loved presenter Dale Winton
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