The bronze statue of the star was unveiled by his widow, Tracy Dawson.

The funnyman died of a heart attack in 1993 at the age of 62.

He was best known for appearances on the television game show Blankety Blank, playing the piano badly, and mother-in-law jokes.

Wiping a tear from her eye, Mrs Dawson and her daughter Charlotte, revealed the statue on national television.

She said: "What a wonderful honour and tribute it is for Charlotte and I and Les's fans for Les to be honoured in this way.

"For all the love and laughter he gave us all in his writing, off-key piano playing and, of course, his wonderful work for charity.

"It is a great honour."

As a blue cloth covering the statue was removed, the assembled fans cheered and applauded as the moment was beamed live by BBC1's One Show.

The memorial was created by sculptor Graham Ibbeson and is situated in the sunken gardens on the North Promenade.