Allen was born David Tynan O'Mahoney on the outskirts of Dublin. After school in the Irish capital he went into journalism, like many of his relatives, starting on the Irish Independent.

At the age of 20, he came to London to try to find work on Fleet Street, but couldn’t – so entered Butlins in Skegness as a redcoat instead. It was there he changed his name to Allen to ensure top billing on the alphabetical list.

He got his first break on a BBC talent show in 1959, and in 1961 he toured his stand-up routine around England and France with a then unknown band called The Beatles.

His fame first grew in Australia, in 1963, where he hosted a live TV chat show. Back in Britain, it was  guest spots on the Val Doonican Show that made his name.

It led to various series of his own, on both the BBC and ITV, running from 1967 to 1994 and mixing his sit-down stand-up with sketches.  The strong language he used often caused controversy, and a four-letter word he uttered on TV in January 1990 was raised in the House of Commons.

Smoking was a trademark part of his routine, but Allen quit his 60-a-day habit in the Eighties, explaining: "I was fed up with paying people to kill me."

He was also famous for missing the tip of one of his fingers, and he invented various tall tales as to how it happened. And when he was asked, “Are you the Irish comedian with half a finger?" he replied, “No, I'm the Irish comedian with nine and a half fingers.”

Allen retired from performing in 1999, ending his broadcast career with a rare interview for BBC Radio 4, but still received offers and was reportedly considering a project at the time of his death.

CV

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I was just a young child when I first saw Dave on tv. I had to sneak out to watch Benny Hill on PBS, when I was introduced to Dave's comedy. I was never very religious and thanks to Dave's comedy I was never in jeopardy of succumbing to that ailment. Being raised in America I never had the chance to see a lot of good British comedy, Dave Allen gave me the desire to sneak out and hide in the dirty laundry so I could shape my sense of humor. I thank him and I thank Britain for sharing him with us.

[Anon], September 2006

Oh Dave, I adore you. Your humour meant so much to me as a child, you helped me survive the horrid catholic woe that I was tourtured with. In a bizzarre twist, Dave Allen actually went out with my mom long time ago! How cool is that!- Dave got off with my mom! Legend

Fiona Jade Absinthea, August 2006

My tears are dry now and I can see the computer screen more clearly, but my sadness and shock at the news of Dave's passing will remain with me for a long, long time. I wish I was articulate enough to do Dave justice by being able to say what needs to be said, I can only say that I am so saddened by his death. He spoke much truth in his humour and I will forever be thankful that he made me laugh and helped to keep my life happy.

Tony, August 2006

A truly great comedy god. He was the master of speaking to an audience and through the camera to the viewing public. Sadly missed

Crucible, July 2006

What a remarkable artist. What a remarkable Irishman. His insight into life and all its quirks, presented his audience something rarely unequaled. A great loss to humanity.

Mark Pearce, May 2006

So missed but still so underrated - I see he did not make the top ten list of dead comedians! Why I don`t know - he was more influential than anyone. Maybe that is the reason. A man who retained his integrity and who certainly would not have been comfortable in today's over-hyped celebland. Having a minor revival now he is gone. Something terribly poignant about all of this. My love to his family. So missed but still so underrated - I see he did not make the top ten list of dead comedians! Why I don`t know - he was more influential than anyone. Maybe that is the reason. A man who retained his integrity and who certainly would not have been comfortable in today`s over-hyped celebland.Having a minor revival now he is gone. Something terribly poignant about all of this. My love to his family.

Clare, March 2006

I saw Dave Allen on stage in Cambridge in about 1979. His comedy routine was so funny that I can still remember parts of it after all these years. A truly gifted man with a unique outlook on life. The world can ill-afford to lose people of his calibre.

Russell Tofts, March 2006

I will never forget you and the happy times you brought to our home. I wish your family all the best. Thanks for being yourself Dave. The world will miss you. I will miss you.

Dave Nicpan, March 2006

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