Jeremy Beadle dead at 59

LONDON , Jan. 31 (UPI) -- British television personality Jeremy Beadle, who battled kidney cancer and leukemia, has died in London of pneumonia. He was 59.

The former editor of "Time Out" magazine, and star of TV's "Beadle's About" and "You've Been Framed" released three new books last fall and was working on new television formats before he became ill, the Times of London said.

"Jeremy and I were firm friends for nearly 30 years," Henry Kelly, Beadle's co-presenter on "Game for a Laugh," told the newspaper. "I loved and admired him and I shall miss him desperately. Not only was he a terrific colleague in our 'Game for a Laugh' days and beyond, but he was a most wonderful friend to have and the most entertaining company you could possibly imagine."

Beadle was also known for his charitable work helping children with Poland syndrome, from which he also suffered, as well as raising money for children with leukemia.

He was appointed a Member of the Order of the British Empire in 2001 for his services to charity.

In a statement issued to the Guardian, Beadle's manager, Michael P. Cohen, said: "Our heartfelt condolences go to his wife Sue, his two daughters, Cassie and Bonnie and his stepchildren Leo and Claire. He will be greatly missed."