Tributes have poured in after news of Ronnie Corbett’s death was announced on Thursday.
One half of the ‘The Two Ronnies’, Mr Corbett died at the age of 85.
Tony Hall, director general of the BBC, described Corbett as “one of the true greats of British comedy. “Ronnie Corbett was a wonderful comic and entertainer. A man of great charm and warmth who brought laughter and joy to millions. He was quite simply one of the true greats of British comedy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time.”
#RonnieCorbett One of the loveliest Kumars guests, always generous with his time & genuine off the cuff wit . A sad goodnight from him #RIP
— Sanjeev Bhaskar (@TVSanjeev) March 31, 2016
Yet more sad news. Could not have been a lovelier man. https://t.co/zpIvQyNbcW
— Dara Ó Briain (@daraobriain) March 31, 2016
The day after we won the Perrier, I saw him in the queue. It was like being blessed by all our childhood Saturday nights. RIP dear man. 2/2
— Mark Gatiss (@Markgatiss) March 31, 2016
RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour & joy to have known him.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) March 31, 2016
R.I.P. Ronnie Corbett, a master of his craft and a huge star.
— Julian Clary (@JulianClary) March 31, 2016
British prime minister David Cameron said “Ronnie Corbett had the rare talent of making all generations laugh. He’ll be remembered as one of the all-time great comedians.”
Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn said “Ronnie Corbett was a giant of British entertainment who was loved by millions. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family.”
Omid Djalili said: “And now Ronnie Corbett. What an absolutely delightful man. Sad sad news RIP.”
Jack Whitehall tweeted: “RIP Ronnie Corbett, what a brilliant and funny man he was.”
Comedian David Walliams said: “Goodbye my friend and comedy idol #RonnieCorbett Thank you for all the laughs. It was the greatest honour to know and work with you.”
Lord Sugar tweeted: “Sad news about Ronnie Corbett, very funny man R.I.P.”
Entertainer Darren Day said on Twitter: “RIP Ronnie Corbett. True legend. He gave me a pair of his glasses to use for a sketch I was doing on the Royal Variety. Love to his family x”