Dave Ismay dies aged 66

Dave Ismay, best known in recent years for his work as a columnist at the Midlands’ Birmingham Mail newspaper has died aged 66. The comedian, agent and voice over artist died earlier today after falling ill at the weekend. In the 1970s he was a well known voice thanks to his announcing role on ATV’s The Golden Shot.

Ismay was educated at Bournville Technical School for Boys, venturing into showbiz as a stand-up comedian. He later joined ATV in Birmingham as the ‘warm-up act’ for the studio audience on game show The Golden Shot and later worked as announcer on some editions.

During his time with the ITV company he became close friends with fellow comic Bob Monkhouse, writing a book about his time with him which was released two years ago.

Ismay went on to other television work including as one of the ‘acting players’ on Yorkshire Television quiz, 3, 2, 1 and LWT’s comedy game show Punchlines!

For a time he worked as the match day announcer for Aston Villa FC and was an agent to showbiz names.

He was married three times and had two children to his second wife. He made the newspapers in 2010 when doctors mistakenly gave him a few months to live. He decided to spend his life saving and splashed out on a Mercedes, a round of golf in Ireland and a visit to Australia before being told ten weeks later it had been a mistake.

His third wife Dodie, who is a former head of make-up at ATV, told the Birmingham Mail today, “The last thing he said to me yesterday afternoon was: ‘I love you, but I’m not going to make it’. The hospital staff could not have done more for him.”

In 2003 Dave helped care for Bob Monkhouse in his final days, as he died from Cancer. He told the Birmingham Post newspaper in 2010:

“Lying on a huge canopy, propped up by constantly-plumped pillows, Bob looked every inch a King of Comedy lying in state on some huge catafalque… I would help Bob in and out of bed. I was trying to make life easier for Jackie who didn’t find it easy to cope.”

Aston Villa released a statement this evening saying:

Villa are sad to hear of the untimely death of Dave Ismay. Dave worked for the club in various capacities, most recently as head of community.

He also worked as the on-pitch announcer for games in the late 1990s and early 2000s.

Dave was also a talented performer in the world of showbiz – a stand-up comedian and presenter – and worked alongside legends such as Tony Bennett, Shirley Bassey, Dionne Warwick, Lisa Minelli and Cliff Richard.

A close friend of comedian Bob Monkhouse, Dave, 66, also provided a column for the Birmingham Mail on football matters.

Our thoughts are with his wife Dodie and the rest of the family at this very sad time.