Former British professional wrestling star Big Daddy (pictured above) died yesterday after battling against a stroke he suffered two months ago. The 60-year-old former miner - real name Shirley Crabtree - had been in Halifax General Hospital, West Yorkshire, since last month, when the stroke paralysed his left side.

Get well messages had earlier come from across the world, including one from the British Prime Minister, Tony Blair. Big Daddy, who once weighed in at 25 stone, was known for televised showcases against the likes of Giant Haystacks and Mick McManus in the 1970s and 1980s.

He specialised in the "splash", crashing down on top of his opponents with his stomach. In 1987 he was devastated when Malcolm "King Kong" Kirk died after falling victim to the technique.

His fans came from all walks of life and he once claimed that Queen Elizabeth had stayed up into the early hours to watch him on TV.