Dale Winton ‘devoted his life to making everyone else happy’

David Walliams has said Dale Winton “devoted his life to making everyone else happy” as he paid tribute following the Supermarket Sweep presenter’s death aged 62.

Winton’s long-term agent, Jan Kennedy, announced the TV presenter had died on Wednesday at his home.

Walliams, a friend of the game show host, was among the many celebrities paying tribute to Winton.

Hours after first simply posting he was “heartbroken”, Walliams tweeted: “Dale was the best company, always outrageous & hilarious. He adored being in show business & loved meeting fans.

“He devoted his life to making everyone else happy, his friends, the public & his godsons, even though he found it hard to be happy himself.”

Following the news, a local resident claimed Winton had moved out of his Regent’s Park flat some three weeks ago.

Ian Grant, who manages the house opposite to where Winton lived, told the Press Association: “There was a for sale sign and then white removal vans. It was just at the start of the month.”

“He was always very pleasant, saying ‘hello’ in the street, no matter what time of day,” added the 84-year-old.

“He had a Range Rover and a Bentley parked outside, with personal DW number plates. He had been there for years. At least 17 years.

“You could always tell when he was in, because he had such a loud voice. He didn’t particularly have parties or lots of people over though.

“I’ll always remember him as a very pleasant man, and I’m just sorry I didn’t get to say goodbye.”

Winton’s agent, Ms Kennedy, said in a statement to the Press Association on Wednesday: “It is with great sadness that we can confirm the passing of Dale Winton who died at home earlier today.

“While we know many will share this terrible loss, we ask that you respect the family’s privacy at this time of grief.”

No further details were announced.

Winton became a household name with game shows such as Supermarket Sweep and National Lottery show In It To Win It.

Supermarket Sweep, which saw contestants run around a mock-up supermarket collecting shopping items, was a hit in the 1990s and was later revived.

Winton began his career as a DJ on the London club circuit.

His TV shows included game show Hole In The Wall and more recently he made a programme for Channel 5, Dale Winton’s Florida Fly.

In 2016, Winton opened up about his battle with depression, triggered by a break-up.

“Listen, there are worse things in the world – but I had depression and I didn’t realise,” he said.

“I had a bad break-up and then I had health issues,” he told Loose Women.