Friday Night Dinner fans were left feeling rather emotional after Paul Ritter's final television appearance was aired as part of the 10th anniversary special.
Friday Night Dinner: 10 Years and A Lovely Bit of Squirrel was filmed shortly before Paul passed away on April 5, but he insisted on appearing in the special one off.
During the 90 minute programme, a voiceover is heard saying: "At the time of filming this doc, Paul Ritter was suffering from a severe illness, which would eventually, sadly take his life.
"But Paul still wanted to take part to show his appreciation and share his insights into the wonderful comedy creation of Martin Goodman."
The father-of-two appeared to be filming his segments from home as he spoke about his loveable character and some of his favourite episodes.
"People like Martin, there’s something about him that reminds them of their half-dressed dad, possibly with a hanky over his head and Eric Morcambe specs. I think he’s immune to hygiene!" Paul said of the hilarious character.
Despite having a very successful career, Paul was keen to acknowledge just how important the role of Martin Goodman was to him.
"I’d be nothing without him," he said. "No seriously, I mean it. It was the great sort of career gift, in terms of interesting parts.
"He’s been absolutely everything to me and I have loved playing him. I have loved all the sort of extraordinary scenes we do."
He continued: "There are some episodes of Friday Night Dinner which go full tilt into farce. I’m always delighted that Martin is somewhat the motor for that!
"I love those sort of episodes because you get a real vista into what Martin is like at his most devious."
Viewers were heartbroken at seeing Paul unwell and took to Twitter to praise him.
"So sad to see Paul Ritter like that #FridayNightDinner," one person wrote.
Another tweeted: "Oh, bless Paul Ritter for still making an effort despite his illness. What a man. #FridayNightDinner."
A third person added: "Seeing Paul Ritter doing the interview is heartbreaking #FridayNightDinner."
Friday Night Dinner creator Robert Popper paid tribute to Paul throughout the programme, and said: "It's down to Paul’s incredible, incredible acting. He’s just so fantastic, he gets everything spot on."
Tamsin Greig, who played Paul's onscreen wife Jackie Goodman, opened the one off special and spoke dearly about her friend and co-star.
"I’m sure you know that very recently we lost our dear and most cherished friend Paul Ritter, who plays Martin Goodman in Friday Night Dinner" she told viewers.
"We all miss him terribly, incredible actor, a true friend and a lovely human being. Sadly at the time of making the documentary, Paul was pretty unwell and to be honest - don't tell the producers - I did try and persuade him not to do the interview.
"But it is testament to Paul’s courage and generosity and dignity and complete lack of vanity that he wanted to participate in the documentary, do an interview and to really celebrate this little world that he's been a part of and that he's enjoyed so much over the years.
"So I know that Paul would want us to all sit back and laugh and enjoy this celebration of the FND universe. And say, as we do, in his memory: Shalom."
Friday Night Dinner: 10 Years and A Lovely Bit of Squirrel is available to watch now on All 4.
