Medway-born comedian Bobby Bragg, known among TV stars as “the King of the Warm-Up”, has died after a long battle with cancer.

Although Bobby, 62, spent much of his time working in television, he was only seldom seen on screen. Instead, he found his niche in getting audiences in the right mood for a show’s recording. Among those he worked regularly on were Only Fools and Horses, Harry Hill’s TV Burp and Gladiators.

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Known for his quick wit and constant comic patter, he once had to keep an audience happy for three hours because of technical problems behind the scenes.

Fellow comedians and actors have been paying tribute to him. John Challis, who played Boycie in Only Fools and Horses said: “Gutted to hear that our dear friend Bobby Bragg has lost his battle with cancer. Thanks for all the laughs. And comic and Benidorm actor Ted Robbins tweeted: “TV legend and friend Bobby Bragg passed away today. All in the business loved and respected him. God bless Braggy.”

Bobby grew up in Gillingham and although he later moved to Oxfordshire where he lived with wife Gail, he always kept in touch with old friends in Medway. Among them was former BBC journalist John Brice who said : “He was a wonderful man who made me laugh a lot. I remember going to his wedding and joking that me and him were the only ones there who weren’t celebrities.”

His son, Matthew confirmed his death on Twitter, saying: "Sadly my dad lost his battle with pancreatic cancer this afternoon. He fought it incredibly bravely for two and a half years. We’re all very proud. He was peaceful with his family. He’ll be missed greatly."

Bragg was given nine months to live in February 2014, but outlasted that by almost two years. And he remained in good spirits till the end, posting an upbeat video online just last month.

In it he joked: ‘I’ve lost 10 stone - does that put me up for slimmer of the year, do you reckon?’ and ‘I wouldn’t say things are bad but my wheelie bins are getting out more than I am.”

VIDEO: Bobby sends out a light-hearted message Twitter, thanking people for support.

Born Robert Bragg, the only son of Barry and Marjorie Bragg, the family lived in a flat above a cycle shop owned by his grandfather at Livingstone Circus, Gillingham. He went to Barnsole Primary School but his education was was continually disrupted because he had to attend Moorfields Eye Hospital in London for treatment to an genetic disorder.

He disliked school and preferred entertaining himself and his mates by imitating the teachers. His father, who tried unsuccessfuly to persuade him to go into the family business, was not impressed with his desire to go ino showbusiness and got him an apprenticeship at GEC Avionics, now BAE Systems, in Rochester.

Meanwhile, Bobby had joined Medway Variety Club and was taking his act of impersonating Charlie Drake and Tommy Cooper to workingmen’s clubs across the Towns. He built up enough gigs to pay himself a decent wage and after 18 months left the factory.

It was while performing alongside Des O’Connor in Chatham that the singer persuaded to change his stage name from Robert to Bobby.

His showbiz career flourished and he found himself travelling to shows and summer seasons across the country.

While doing a variety act on the Isle of Wight in 1974 he met Gail, a dancer.
The couple did not get married until 1989 - and it was no coincidence that they chose to tie the knot on April Fools’ Day.

Gail, mum to their two children, Rebecca, 27 and Matthew, said: “ We were always too busy to get married . We moved to Oxfordhire around 1979, but were were always going back to Medway to visit friends. I feel as though I know the place.
“He was very strong up until the end. His mobility was bad but he was only bed-bound until two days before he died.”

Since he passed away on October 25, Gail has been inundated with tributes from celebrities including David Jason, Harry Hill and Tom O’Connor.

Gail, 64, said: “It’s touching that just not the stars but the cameramen and sound engineers he has worked with over the years have sent messages.”
Many of his well-wishers are expected at his funeral at Banbury Crematorium on Friday
She said: “We thought about having a quiet family do. But this is what he would have wanted. He would enjoy it.”