Hundreds call for Sheffield comedian Marti Caine to receive Walk Of Fame recognition

Fans of the late Sheffield-born comedian Marti Caine are calling on council leaders to honour her on the city's Walk of Fame.
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Lynne Shepherd, better known as Marti Caine, grew up on a council estate in Shiregreen and her vocal talents, wit, and engaging personality made her a mainstay on the Yorkshire club circuit.

A trail-blazer on the comedy scene, she gained national attention after winning the television talent show New Faces in 1975 and went on to star on shows including the self-titled Marti Caine in 1979 and host the revived New Faces seven years later.

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She overcame every hardship imaginable but was tragically struck down with lymphatic cancer at the height of her success and died at the early age of 50.

Marti Caine in 1979,  she died tragically young in 1995 and her death was a sad loss to SheffieldMarti Caine in 1979,  she died tragically young in 1995 and her death was a sad loss to Sheffield
Marti Caine in 1979, she died tragically young in 1995 and her death was a sad loss to Sheffield
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David Poole, author of the Sheffielder blog, believes she has more than earned her place on the Sheffield Legends Walk Of Fame, where the likes of actor Sean Bean and rockers Def Leppard are already honoured with plaques on the pavement.

He has now teamed up with members of the Love Sheffield Facebook group to get her a star and has presented a nomination, backed by around 620 people, to Sheffield Council.

David said: “During June I posted about Marti Caine and was struck by the overwhelming affection shown by readers. Many posted memories and stories about her, and it was undoubtedly one of the page's most successful posts.

Marti Caine and children rehearsing for a show at Sheffield City Hall in December 1980Marti Caine and children rehearsing for a show at Sheffield City Hall in December 1980
Marti Caine and children rehearsing for a show at Sheffield City Hall in December 1980
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“This was picked up by the Love Sheffield group [which] revealed an even greater outpouring of stories from people who knew or met Marti Caine.

“The overwhelming response was that she was an incredibly down-to-earth person who loved her city, its people, and had time for everyone.

“It was pointed out that Sheffield had never officially recognised her achievements and the subject of a Sheffield Legends star was raised.”

Marti received an honorary doctorate from Sheffield Hallam University for her contribution to the world of entertainment and there is a sculpture at the corner of Howard Street and Arundel Gate dedicated to her.

Sheffield's 'hidden' public art. Sheen - sandstone and stainless steel grid at the top of Howard Street, dedicated to Sheffield-born comedian Marti Caine. Picture: Chris EtchellsSheffield's 'hidden' public art. Sheen - sandstone and stainless steel grid at the top of Howard Street, dedicated to Sheffield-born comedian Marti Caine. Picture: Chris Etchells
Sheffield's 'hidden' public art. Sheen - sandstone and stainless steel grid at the top of Howard Street, dedicated to Sheffield-born comedian Marti Caine. Picture: Chris Etchells
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David added: “She championed the local person and the underdog. In these times of uncertainty we hope that such recognition for Marti Caine might help us all feel proud of her achievements.”

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Marti Caine with cancer patient Lisa Ashton at Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield in August 1995Marti Caine with cancer patient Lisa Ashton at Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield in August 1995
Marti Caine with cancer patient Lisa Ashton at Weston Park Hospital, Sheffield in August 1995

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