Britain's first well-known black TV comedian, Charlie Williams, has died at the age of 78, it has been reported.
Williams, who had suffered Parkinson's Disease and dementia for a number of years, died on Saturday at Barnsley General Hospital, said the BBC.
Born in Barnsley, South Yorkshire, Williams found fame in the 1970s with regular appearances on the the hit show The Comedians.
He went on to host The Golden Shot game show.
After leaving school at the age of 14, Williams worked down the mines at Upton Colliery but changed career when he was spotted playing football for the works team by Doncaster Rovers.
He became a centre-half at the Belle Vue club and made 171 appearances between 1948 and 1959.
Following his retirement from the game, Williams tried his hand as a singer in local clubs but found greater success in comedy.
He often poked fun about his colour and racial issues, and was renowned for his catchphrase "me old flower".
