HIS career as a flamboyant female impersonator spanned more than half a century.

At his peak the lavish entertainer performed in front of sell-out audiences in London's West End and was one of Britain's highest-paid entertainers in the 1960s.

But following a stroke in early 2006, the seasoned entertainer decided to take his final bow last December.

After living in Southampton for more than 20 years, Danny moved to enjoy his retirement in Tunbridge Wells where he lives with Annie Galbraith who designed his extravagant dresses.

Born Daniel Patrick Carroll in Cork, Ireland, he moved to London with his mother when he was nine.

Danny first dressed up in drag for a naval concert party after being sent to Singapore as part of Lord Mountbatten's invasion task force at the end of the Second World War.

He opened his own nightclub in London's Hanover Square attracting more than 13,000 members with patrons including Judy Garland, Warren Beatty, Shirley Bassey, Dame Elizabeth Taylor and Princess Margaret.

In 2002 Danny received an OBE from the Queen at Buckingham Palace who admitted being a long-time fan of the entertainer.

Remarking on his talents as an entertainer, Bob Hope called him "the most glamorous woman in the world".

Name: Danny La Rue Occupation: Entertainer Date of Birth: July 26, 1927 Local Link: Long-term Southampton resident