Tributes have poured in for comedian Sean Lock after his agent confirmed that he has died from cancer at the age of 58.
Lock was best known as a team captain on the 8 out of 10 Cats series, but regularly appeared on the likes of QI, The Last Leg, Mock the Week, Live at the Apollo and other comedy shows.
In a statement, fellow comedian Lee Mack, a close friend of Lock's, described the news of Lock's death as "heart-breaking".
"I’ve known this day was coming for some time, but it’s no less heart-breaking. A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much."
Mock the Week host Dara O'Briain said the news was "desperately sad".
QI regular Alan Davies said: "Sad news about Sean Lock. Funny on stage, hilarious off. We met in 1988 right at the start of our stand up careers. I hadn’t seen him in recent years as he quietly wrestled with illness but I feel very sad today for Anoushka and their children. RIP Locky."
While Bristol comedian Mark Watson said: "Stunned to hear about Sean Lock. Worked with him without ever getting to know him; witnessed his talent from an intimidated distance. It’s an enormous loss to comedy."
Pointless host Richard Osman added: "Over 15 years producing '8 Out Of 10 Cats' Sean Lock made me laugh so much and so often. A unique and brilliant comic voice. Love to his family and his many friends"
A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family.
"Sean was one of Britain's finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy.
"Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children is respected at this difficult time."
