Who was Lionel Blair and what TV shows did he star in?

LIONEL Blair entertained the British public for over six decades.

He started his telly career in the 1960s, where he performed on a number of variety shows with his dance troupe.

Lionel Blair appeared in The Real Grand Marigold HotelGetty Images – WireImage

Where was Lionel Blair from?

Even though Blair was raised in Britain, he was actually born in Montreal, Canada.

Before attending the Royal Shakespeare Theatre in 1944, he performed alongside his sister Joyce during the air raids of the Second World War.

He originally trained as a dancer, but decided he wanted to pursue a career in acting in 1947.

Blair sadly passed away at the age of 92.

His management company said that he died surrounded by his family.

His agent said: “He got to a very ripe old age, he was loved by his family, and I think he died in their company, which is lovely.”

How did Lionel Blair become famous?

Blair featured in a string of films since 1953, including The Limping Man, The World of Suzie Wong, The Beauty Jungle and Absolute Beginners.

He provided the choreography for blockbusters Jazz Boat and The Magic Christian in the 1960s.

Between 1979 and the early 1990s, Lionel was of the team captains on ITV game show Give Us A Clue.

What TV shows did Lionel Blair star in?

Since rising to fame, Lionel has been a reality TV show regular.

He entered the Celebrity Big Brother house in 2014, where he was famously handcuffed to Made in Chelsea’s Ollie Locke and had a blazing row with Luisa Zissman.

Another of his most famous ventures was his appearance on Channel Five reality series The Farm, where he competed against popstar Mikey Green and model Emma Noble.

Last year, Lionel Blair shocked Loose Women viewers when he FINALLY revealed how old he is.

The choreographer had been using 85 as his “stage age”, before he let it slip that he was actually 88-years-old.

The actor appeared in the second series of The Real Marigold Hotel earlier this year.

The documentary followed eight pensioners trying out retirement living in India and after a successful first series a new batch returned, this time in Kochi, South West India.

He appeared on Celebrity Big Brother in 2014, and had British viewers laughing when he was handcuffed to Ollie LockeAlamy

Lionel appeared alongside TV cook Rustie Lee, singer Sheila Ferguson, presenter Bill Oddie, snooker ace Dennis Taylor, TV’s Dr Miriam Stoppard, actress Amanda Barrie and actor Paul Nicholas.

Following his experience on the show, Blair revealed what it was really like to take part.

After admitting that he “hated it” at first, he was finally able to get over being away from his wife in the sweltering heat.