Jeremy Beadle dies at 59

Jeremy Beadle, one of Britain's favourite television presenters during the 1980s and early 1990s, has died, it was reported on Wednesday.

Beadle, 59, died of complications from pneumonia while being treated in a hospital in North London, The Sun's Web site reported. He died surrounded by his family, including his wife Sue and his children.

His agent was not immediately available for comment.

Beadle, the host of programmes such as "Beadle's About" and "You've Been Framed", was a constant presence on TV screens for more than a decade, although in recent years he kept a much lower profile, preferring to write books and do charity work.

The presenter was diagnosed with cancer in 2005, but did not let the condition restrain him, going on to publish three new books last year.

In his heyday, he pulled in up to 15 million viewers a night with his mix of comedy and family fun, particularly with the iconic "Beadle's About".

He was awarded an MBE in 2001 for his services to television and for his charity work, raising tens of millions of pounds, especially for children with leukaemia.