Dave Allen, the Irish comedian who became a household name on British television in the 1970s and 1980s, has died. He was 68.
Allen died in his sleep at his West London home.
He had been ill for some time, according to his agent Vivienne Clore.
Allen was best known for his hit shows 'Tonight with Dave Allen' and 'Dave Allen at Large'.
He is survived by his wife Karin and three children.
The famous Irish   has died aged 68. Known as the ''Sit-down comedian,'' Allen was among the first to base his dry wit humour around the comic practices of large organisations and institutions such as the . 

Born in Dublin in 1936, he later moved to England to pursue his career. He initially  was a , but later entered comedy. His fame peaked in the 1970s and 1980s with the ''BBC'' TV shows ''The Dave Allen Show'' and ''Dave Allen at Large.''

He is survived by his wife Karin, and their three children.