Pioneering Scottish comedian Stanley Baxter has died. He was 99.

At his peak on TV Baxter attracted over 20 million viewers at a time with his television specials. He famously did impressions of the Queen, Noel Coward, Marlene Dietrich, George Formby, Tarzan and Liberace.

He was also a major stage star, best known as a panto dame. 

Although ITV stopped making his specials, he was still working on radio well into his nineties. He also appeared in the children's show Mr Majeika.

At the age of 94 he confirmed that he had always been gay but said he had hidden the truth when he was younger as homosexual acts were illegal in the UK.

His friend and biographer Brian Beacom said Baxter died on Thursday in Denville Hall, a London care home for entertainment figures where he had lived since late 2023.

Bafta said: "We're saddened to hear that Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died aged 99. Baxter starred in a string of TV comedy shows including the BAFTA-winning The Stanley Baxter Series and The Stanley Baxter Big Picture Show. He received an Outstanding Contribution to Film & Television award at the BAFTA Scotland Awards in 2020."

Wes Butters posted on X;"Farewell, dear Stanley Baxter, who's died aged 99. He & Kenneth Williams had met in the wartime Entertainments Troop, & both went on to become household names. When TV budgets declined, Stanley faced the end to his spectacular shows, leaving his star to fade. But we remember him."

DJ Gary Crowley echoed the thoughts of a lot of comedy fans of a certain age when he posted: "We grew up watching this fella. His Stanley Baxter Picture Show was an essential watch in our house. We absolutely adored him. Safe travels Stanley and thank you for the magic. All together now.... "IsthatamarreronyerbarrerClarra?"

First Minister of Scotland John Swinney also paid trubute: "Very sorry to hear of the death of Stanley Baxter - a giant of Scottish entertainment. He brought incredible joy to generations. My sympathy to his family."

BBC Scotland had already scheduled a profile of Baxter to run over Christmas. Being Stanley Baxter offers an intimate portrait of a beloved television star. Charting his extraordinary professional journey and personal life, the film draws on rare archive footage and candid interviews to celebrate the Scottish legend’s enduring legacy. The hour-long documentary will reflect the complex aspects of his long and distinguished life as well as celebrating his comedic genius, particularly his impressionist and satirical work.

Buy Stanley Baxter's biography here.