Jon Richardson has revealed how he idolised Sean Lock for years before he was lucky enough to work alongside him.
The heartbroken comedian has paid tribute to his on-screen 'rival' following news of his tragic death at age 58 following a battle with cancer.
Sean and Jon would face off against each other every week as rival team captains on Jimmy Carr's comedy quiz show 8 Out Of 10 Cats and its spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
They'd often tease each other and make one another the butt of their jokes, but it was always clear there was a huge amount of love and respect between them.
Jon paid tribute to Sean, sharing a picture of them dressed as cowboys.
He penned: "I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didn’t diminish that in the least.
"An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice. I’m devastated for his family today and sad for comedy that we have lost one of the very best.
"Undisputed, undefeated carrot in a box champion. I will miss him."
His fans offered their condolences.
One told him: "i’m at a complete loss for words, such a huge loss."
Another posted: "Absolutely shocked and heartbroken as he was an amazing comedian always loved watching him"
"oh no no no, that is absolutely heartbreaking," a third wrote.
It was announced today that Sean had lost his battle with cancer.
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."
Many other comics paid tribute to Sean, who was highly respected in the industry.
Jason Manford shared a text that he sent to Sean just three weeks before he died.
Sharing a screengrab of the message, John wrote on Twitter: "I texted him couple of weeks ago and I’m now so glad I did.
"If you’ve a friend who’ve you not spoken to for a while, drop them a message and check in. It could be the last time. RIP Sean."
While the text message itself read: "Hi Sean, hope you and your family are doing okay.
"Did Countdown last week and missed having you there. I often think back to my days on Cats with you & how much I appreciated working with you, the buzz I’d get on the rare occasion something I said would make you laugh!"
The text heartbreakingly added: "Anyway, just wanted to check in and wish you and your family all the best. Lots of love and hopefully see you soon."
Lee Mack, who was a close friend, paid tribute saying: "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."
Dara O’Briain tweeted: "This is desperately sad news. Such a brilliantly funny man."
Eddie Izzard penned: "So sorry to hear this. Farewell Sean, you brought a wonderful comedic talent to the world and you will be missed."
Chris Ramsey wrote: "Sean Lock was a genuine comedy genius. And so supportive when I was a new comic doing panel shows for the first time.
"Whenever I was on 8 Out Of 10 Cats I always had a moment about 30 minutes into the record when I thought 'OK Chris, you're not here to just sit and laugh at Sean Lock all night. Say something so you make the edit!'
"He was that good, you forgot you were there to do a job. Devastating news. RIP Sean Lock."
Richard Osman, who worked with Sean on Channel 4’s 8 out of 10 Cats, expressed his sadness online.
The 50-year-old comedian tweeted: “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 #RIPSean.”
While Ricky Gervais, 60, tweeted: “Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man.”
Jimmy Carr – who worked with Sean across multiple projects – revealed he had been in tears watching old clips of his friend.
Taking to Twitter, the 48-year-old wrote: “Brutal news about Sean Lock today.
“I loved him. I’m watching clips of him right now - laughing & crying. I’ll miss him so much.”
Many more celebrities paid tribute – with 54-year-old John Bishop, who has battled cancer himself, tweeting: “I am shocked and saddened at the news of the loss of Sean Lock. He was a brilliant comedian but more importantly he was a great person on so many levels . He will be missed hugely.”
Strictly Come Dancing champion and fellow comedy star Bill Bailey shared his heartbreak online.
The 56-year-old penned: “It’s heartbreaking to lose my dearest friend Sean Lock , he was a true original, a wonderful comic. All my thoughts are with his family.”
Countdown’s dictionary corner expert Susie Dent, who also worked on 8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, shared an emotional tribute on Twitter.
The 56-year-old wrote: “I wish I had the words to describe the exceptional man that was Sean Lock. But today I don’t, and I think he might have liked it that way.”
While Channel 4 itself also wrote via their official Twitter handle: “Incredibly sad to learn of the loss of one of our greatest comedians, Sean Lock. A much loved part of the C4 family he’s played a huge role on the channel for over 2 decades, and we’ll miss him."
The tweet concluded: "Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”
