Legendary Australian presenter and actress Candy Devine dies at 85 - as her celebrity chef son Alastair McLeod pays heartfelt tribute

Beloved Australian Indigenous radio presenter and singer Candy Devine passed away last Thursday at the age of 85, following a long illness.

Born Faye McLeod in Queensland in 1939, she had a remarkable career in the arts that spanned almost five decades. 

Candy was also the mother of Australian celebrity chef Alastair McLeod, who confirmed the heartbreaking news of her passing on social media. 

'Our dear mum has passed away after a life of laughter, music and singing,' Alastair wrote.

'Thank you [journalists] for sharing her amazing love story. She always shared a keen interest in our lives and loved giving me feedback when she saw me on the TV.'

Candy was born in Cairns and had a diverse heritage that included Spanish, Sri Lankan, and Torres Strait Islander roots. 

She began her incredible career in the late 1960s as an actress, appearing in episodes of the iconic Australian children's show Skippy the Bush Kangaroo. 

Throughout her career, she also made guest appearances on the 1970s series The Ernie Sigley Show. 

A major highlight was voicing the character Vera in the 1989 Hollywood animated film All Dogs Go to Heaven.

Candy relocated to Northern Ireland in the late 1960s, where she began a successful career as a popular radio presenter at the commercial station Downtown Radio.

In 1970, she married legendary talent agent Donald McLeod and together they had four children, one of whom is the well-known Channel Ten celebrity chef Alastair McLeod.

In recognition of her extensive contributions to the performing arts, Candy was awarded the title of Member of the British Empire in 2014. 

The energetic presenter returned to Queensland in 2013 and passed away last week.

She outlived her husband, Donald, who died in 2012. 

Candy is survived by her four children.