TRIBUTES have been paid to TV presenter Dale Winton, who has passed away at the age of 62.
Winton, who became a household name as the host of daytime TV show Supermarket Sweep, died at his home earlier today.
Confirming the news, Winton’s agent, Jan Kennedy, described his passing as a ‘terrible loss’.
"While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family's privacy at this time of grief,” she said.
Among those paying tribute to Winton was Paddy McGuinness, who called Winton 'the perfect host'.
“He made it all look effortless,” said McGuinness.
Meanwhile Irish presenter Zoe Salmon, who appeared as a guest on Winton’s game show Hole in the Wall, described him as ‘TV royalty’.
“I’ll remember him as being fun and fabulous,” she said.
After originally working as a radio presenter, Winton moved into television in 1987 before getting his big break as the host of weekday game show Supermarket Sweep in 1993.
The show originally ran for seven years, making Winton a household name.
He went on to host primetime BBC shows including Pets Win Prizes, the National Lottery game show In It to Win It and Hole in the Wall.
Tributes to Dale Winton
Dale Winton gave me the best bit of showbiz advice I ever got - Don’t quit the hit! Thank you Dale. X
— graham norton (@grahnort) 18 April 2018
Sad news. Back in the day Supermarket Sweep was the programme to watch. Dale Winton was the perfect host, he made it all look effortless. RIP pic.twitter.com/RW5r3qDs9N
— Paddy McGuinness (@PaddyMcGuinness) 18 April 2018
I’m so sad to hear the news about Dale Winton. TV royalty 📺👑 I’ll treasure the fun memories we had on Hole In The Wall and of the times I met him at BBC TVCentre. I’ll remember him as being fun and fabulous. #RIP #DaleWinton 💔
— Zoe Salmon LLB CPLS (@Zoe_Salmon) 18 April 2018
So sad and shocked to hear that Dale Winton has died. He was a lovely,warm man who posed charm. RIP
— Les Dennis (@LesDennis) 18 April 2018
I am so so so sad to hear about Dale Winton 💔 a lovely, warm, kind, sensitive, generous soul with a touch of naughty ! RIP 🙏🏻
— Davina McCall (@ThisisDavina) 18 April 2018
So sad to hear the news Dale Winton has passed away. Thoughts for his family he was a gent to work with. RIP
— James Martin (@jamesmartinchef) 18 April 2018
So sad to hear that the true gentleman, the charming and so kind Dale Winton has been taken from us far to soon. RIP lovely man. Xx
— Michael Ball OBE (@mrmichaelball) 18 April 2018
RIP the great entertainer Dale Winton. So young at 62.
— Duncan Bannatyne (@DuncanBannatyne) 18 April 2018
Very sad to hear that Dale Winton has passed away, to to young, my thoughts are with his family 🙏🏽 RIP pic.twitter.com/19DTk7P4QV
— Frank Bruno MBE (@frankbrunoboxer) 18 April 2018
