TV star, writer and satirist Victor Lewis-Smith has died aged 65 after a short illness.
"I am in deep shock, having to issue the news about the death of Victor Lewis Smith," his agent confirmed.
"Struggling to come to terms with the loss of a unique and irreplaceable talent."
Lewis-Smith starred in comedy sketch series Inside Victor Lewis-Smith in 1993 on BBC2, where he was joined by Roger Llyod-Pack, Annette Badland, Moya Brady, Tim Barlow, Nickolas Grace and George Raistrick.
He was also behind TV Offal on Channel 4, and Z For Fake on BBC2.
The TV genius was also an executive producer for the Sky Arts series In Confidence, which featured a steam of interviews with the likes of Lilly Allen, Kathy Burke and Richard Dawkins.
Lewis-Smith also worked across film and radio as a producer and ran his own production company Associated Rediffusion Productions Limited.
He was also a restaurant critic and columnist and regularly wrote for Private Eye since 1993.
In a statement issued by Borkowski PR agency, it was revealed that he died in Bruges.
David Tabizel shared a tribute on Twitter: "RIP the great Victor Lewis-Smith. My friend, collaborator & force of nature. He was a literary, comedic vandal of the highest order, a gentleman,loyal pal & one of the greatest conversationalists on the planet. To happier times, old friend. I shall miss you"
Tim Worthington wrote: "He could be a difficult man, and became progressively more difficult with time - and didn't you know it if you were on the receiving end - but he was an influence on me to an extent I cannot describe. An undervalued force of comic invention."
Do you enjoy reading about celebrities? Sign up for all the best celeb news from the Mirror here.
Another added: "Nooo!! RIP Victor Lewis-Smith comedy legend."
"Crikey, this is sad. I remember him as being incredibly funny. RIP," another chimed.
Marc Blank-Settle penned: "Awwwww no. VLS was a pioneer in pushing radio to the edge, much like Chris Morris. This is really sad news."
Do you have a story to sell? Get in touch with us at webcelebs@mirror.co.uk or call us direct 0207 29 33033.
