Roy Jay was a British-Norwegian comedian who was a regular on TV screens in the 1980s, but his life took a tragic turn after he was charged with indecent exposure in 1984

BBC comedian died penniless with body unclaimed for weeks after tragic death(Image: BBC)

A legendary 80s comic passed away penniless with his remains left unclaimed for weeks in a heartbreaking turn of events.

Roy Jay was renowned for his prominent BBC slots, featuring on television shows including The Bob Monkhouse Show, The Little and Large Show and The Main Attraction during the peak of his career.

However, the British-Norwegian performer endured a devastating conclusion to his life. Troubles began after he faced charges for indecent exposure in 1984, when he pulled down his trousers during a live performance before a family crowd at the Park Club in Jersey.

He appeared on Bob Monkhouse’s show in the 80s(Image: Getty)

He received a £200 fine – but more damaging still, his reputation suffered a massive hit. Roy discovered himself barred from countless venues nationwide even prior to the indecent exposure conviction. Yet it proved the death knell for his television career.

Whilst he succeeded in continuing his stand-up work in his final years, his TV appearances vanished. Ultimately the performer died in Alicante, Spain, in December 2007 aged 59, completely broke. His remains laid unclaimed for a fortnight.

His death was reportedly due to alcohol abuse. His funeral, conducted at Villajoyosa Crematorium, required funding from a local Spanish entrepreneur who was also Roy’s dear friend.

Roy remains fondly recalled for his television appearances and his subsequent work at a Benidorm venue. One admirer commented following his death: “Terrible news about Roy. I never did see him but will remember with fondness his TV work back in the day. RIP Mr Slither.”

Another fan reminisced: “I did see him in Benidorm in the late 1980s at the Talk of the Coast, which is now the Ambassador Playa. I remember the place was packed and everyone was having a great laugh.” A third person agreed: “A very talented but tormented guy who is all but forgotten today.”

Roy had an interesting start in life, with conflicting reports about his childhood. According to one version, he was born as Roy Jørgensen in Oslo, Norway, to a Norwegian father and a Scottish/Irish mother.

At the tender age of four, he moved with his family to South Wales. When he was eight, he spent a year in Cork, Ireland, honing his skills in Irish language and violin, before returning to Wales.

The family then relocated to Atherton in Greater Manchester, England, where he attended Hesketh Fletcher High School. At 15, he joined the Royal Norwegian Navy, but later returned to civilian life to sing in a band performing in small Northern clubs and dance halls.

He then became Assistant Entertainments Manager at Pontins holiday camp in Southport, where he began his stand-up comedy career.

However, another account suggests that Roy Jay was actually born in Uffculme, Devon. In this version, he worked for Pontins in Morecambe during the 1970s and performed as a comedian in Northern clubs, before being a special guest on the 1983 UK tour by Johnny Mathis.