Tributes continue to flood in after death of Doncaster's legendary Donny Dancer

55-year-old Gary Marshall, who lived in Thorne, died over the weekend, according to reports on social media.

But to many, he was simply known as Donny Dancer, a familiar sight on the town’s streets with his distinctive blond hair, dark sunglasses, colourful leather jackets and of course, a portable speaker constantly blasting out a selection of 80s and 90s pop favourites as he boogied his way the streets to the delight of shoppers.

He became an overnight viral internet sensation a couple of years ago, with one video of him dancing being viewed more than 250,000 times.

A Facebook page was even set up in his honour and Donny Dancer fans have been using it to share memories of one of Doncaster’s more colourful characters.

Antony Craig said: “I hope he gets a good send off. He deserves it, put smiles on many people’s faces.”

Marina Kirk wrote: “God bless you sweetheart you always put a smile on me and my mum’s face R.I.P sweetie my thoughts and prayers are with your family and friends at this sad time xx.”

Sammy Elizabeth Hartley added: “R.I.P Gary you entertained us all a true gentleman,” while David Lang added: “Doncaster’s going to be a lot duller now. RIP Donny Dancer.”

Interviewed by the Free Press in 2018, Gary said he began hitting the streets with his portable music system following the death of his dad Craig in November 2016.

He said: "I'd been his carer for more than five years and when he died, I felt empty. For a month or so, I didn't know what to do with myself - my world felt like it was over.

"Then one day I just went out playing my music and it went from there."

He said: "I just started dancing in my living room one day. It is very much my own style, like a mix of dancing and walking."

He headed to Doncaster several times each week, sporting his "Donny Dancer" uniform - which was based on the character Soldier 76 from best-selling video game Overwatch.