Broadcaster Jimmy Savile dies, aged 84

Savile, who was one of the best known names in British broadcasting in the 60s, 70s and 80s, was found at his home in Roundhay, Leeds, just after midday today.

It is not known how he died but it is believed there are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death.

Known for his trademark jewellery, tracksuit and tinted glasses, friends described him as a “showman”. Radio presenter David Hamilton said that Sir Jimmy, who was knighted for his services to charity, worked “tirelessly” to raise funds for various causes.

“He was a very energetic character,” Mr Hamilton said. “But most of all, I remember him as just a totally flamboyant, over the top, larger than life character and as he was on the air, he was just the same off.” Lord Alan Sugar tweeted: “Sad news on the death of Jimmy Savile very funny man and did loads of work for charity RIP.”

Sir Jimmy raised £20 million for the creation of the National Spinal Injuries Centre at Stoke Mandeville Hospital in Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, in 1983 following damage caused by severe weather to the old pre-fab wooden huts which had housed spinal cord injury patients. He was also a volunteer at the hospital and ran more than 200 marathons for various charitable organisations.

A spokeswoman for Buckinghamshire Healthcare NHS Trust - which runs the hospital - said: “We are incredibly saddened to learn that Sir Jimmy Savile has passed away.

“Sir Jimmy has been a great supporter of Stoke Mandeville Hospital for a number of decades. He was tireless in his attempts to fundraise for the hospital and was integral in the creation of the National Spinal Injuries Centre that we have today.

“Sir Jimmy will be sorely missed by staff and patients alike.”

Broadcaster Stuart Hall said on BBC Radio 5live that Sir Jimmy was “unique” but “a loner”, before adding: “He had lots of imitators, the one and only Jimmy Savile,” while former colleague Tony Blackburn described Savile as a ‘one-off’ who would be best remembered for his charity work and the tracksuits he used to wear.

“He was just an unusual person,” Blackburn added.