Opportunity Knocks star who shared screen with Les Dawson dies after short illness

An outpouring of tributes is being made for the late singer and television personality, Anne Gordon, an 84 year old Cleethorpes resident who sadly passed away following a short illness.

After her initial appearance on the hit show "Opportunity Knocks" hosted by Hughie Green, Anne went on to work alongside notable entertainers, including comedian Les Dawson and singer Vince Hill.

Praising her mother's family-oriented nature, daughter Joanne said: "She was very family-oriented. They were her world."

She continued: "She also had a very interesting and full life."

Anne's other daughter, Liz, echoed Joanne's sentiments, saying: "She always put us first. She loved us all. She did everything she could to help. She was a superwoman and full of love. She was always called "GG" by the family, reports the Mirror.

Joanne highlighted the importance of family to her mother: "She was very family-orientated. They were her world. She also had a very interesting and full life."

Joanne fondly remembered her mother's humble beginnings at Binbrook, where Anne would sing and play piano to entertain the servicemen of RAF Binbrook at the Marquis of Granby pub, run by her grandmother Irene Trevor.

Anne went on to hone her singing skills, took to dance, and delivered powerful poetry performances. Many still cherish her memorable renditions of "If I Were A Bell" from Guys and Dolls and "Bewitched, Bothered, Bewildered" from Pal Joey on Opportunity Knocks.

Anne, affectionately dubbed The English Rose of the Winter Gardens, has secured her legacy in the history books of British show business.

Her tenure as a cherished lead singer at the venue for 17 years left an indelible memory, which she reflected on in a heartfelt 2006 chat with The Grimsby Telegraph: "I lived on the Kingsway and my mum was a widow, so it was an ideal job for me. I enjoyed the singing, the music and the atmosphere. It was what I had always wanted to do. It was lovely to earn my living doing what I loved."

She reminisced about the allure of the entertainment world, expressing her love for its glamour, glitz, and dazzling lights, as well as recalling the immaculate fashion sense of the times. Her journey in the limelight also took her across Manchester to famed venues like The Mecca and Belle Vue Ballroom, where she shared moments with stars such as Bob Monkhouse, Hylda Baker, and David Frost.

Yet, it was Les Dawson who left the most enduring mark on her, as she confided to The Grimsby Telegraph.

Upon returning to Cleethorpes in 1967 after some time away, her daughter Liz disclosed that Anne once clinched the runner-up spot on Opportunity Knocks at the tender age of 24. A stint with The Leo Solomon Trio at The Oaklands showcased her extraordinary talent as she charmed listeners with emotive performances of classics like "When Sunny Gets Blue" and "Guess Who I Saw Today."

Anne was wed to her husband Gerry, an ex-police officer, for a remarkable 65 years. Gerry, who passed away the previous year, originally crossed paths with Anne during a law enforcement raid at a nightclub in Cleethorpes where she worked.

"He went back a week later for a drink and that's when they got together," shared Liz.

The funeral service is arranged for Tuesday, July 8, at 12.45pm at Grimsby Crematorium.