Have YOU got a story? Email tips@dailymail.co.uk See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred SourceBy LAURA FOX, ASSOCIATE SHOWBUSINESS EDITOR Published: 09:07 BST, 2 July 2026 | Updated: 09:17 BST, 2 July 2026
Comedian Paul Sneddon has died at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer.The stand-up legend, who performed under alter-egos including Vladimir McTavish and football manager Bob Doolally, had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment.Paul's death was announced by The Stand comedy club in Edinburgh, who hailed his 'immense talent'.His passing comes just weeks before he was due to perform his 2026 and the s**t hits the Fan for Vladimir McTavish show at Edinburgh Fringe Festival next month.A statement from The Stand comedy club read: 'It's with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of Paul Sneddon known to so many as Vladimir McTavish & Bob Doolally.'Paul has been a vital part of The Stand since we began and a much treasured and loved part of the comedy scene for many years. He was as known for his kindness, encouragement and generosity as he was for his immense talent. Comedian Paul Sneddon has died at the age of 70 after a battle with cancer'He made every green room brighter, every line-up funnier and the world a nicer place to live in. We are broken at the loss of our dear friend and will in time be marking his life appropriately.'For the time being, all our thoughts are with his family: Christine and his girls Julia and Rosie, as well as his many friends and fans during this time.'Frankie Boyle was among those to pay tribute to Paul, writing: 'Just a great guy, and such an inclusive person. 'Made everyone feel welcome, and made me feel I was good enough to do tour supports for him when I wasn't. 'I used to love, over the years, getting to say ''Please Welcome Vladimir McTavish'' or ''Please Welcome Bob Doolally''. A great comic, a privilege to have known him, love to his family.'Marcus Ryan posted: 'Devastating news. My first encounter with Vladimir McTavish (Paul) was in 2005 at the Ed Fringe and a wonderful local to know when residing in Edinburgh. 'The Stand Comedy Club has always been like a family and welcomes you in.'Paul has been a fixture of that family since day one. I've been lucky to have known him for 20 years sharing the stage both in Scotland and Australia. The stand-up legend, who performed under alter-egos including Vladimir McTavish and football manager Bob Doolally (pictured), had been undergoing chemotherapy treatment'The loveliest man, so many great chats and laughs. Big love to Christine, the girls and all the extended Stand family and fellow comedy pals also just finding out. Tears are flowing. RIP Paul. James Gardner posted: 'Really sad news. An absolute pleasure to work with however briefly and he was always who took the time to send you a birthday message.'A brilliant comedian. Condolences to his family and close friends.'Comedy night Laugh it off at The Railway posted on their social media page: 'Devastated to hear the news today that Paul Sneddon AKA Vladimir McTavish / Bob Doolally has very sadly passed away.'Paul was a great comedian a great guy and a keen supporter of Laugh It Off. He's given me nothing but positive encouragement as a fledgling stand up. 'I was speaking to him only a couple of days ago about gigs at the fringe. He'll be greatly missed.'
