Comedian Sean Lock has died at the age of 58, his agent has confirmed.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, a rep for the 8 out of 10 Cats star 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."
Advert
The father-of-three was best known for his work on panel shows, including Channel 4's popular 8 Out Of 10 Cats, and its spin-off, 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Born in Woking, Surrey, the comedy star left school in the early 1980s and began working on building sites but developed skin cancer, which he blamed on over-exposure to the sun. He made a full recovery and focused on a career in comedy.
One of his first professional TV appearances was in 1993, starring alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.
.png)
He also created the sitcom 15 Storeys High, and hosted TV Heaven, Telly Hell, where celebrities discussed their favourite TV tropes and cliches.
Advert
Celebrities have rushed to pay tribute to the star, whose death has come as a huge shock for the British comedy community.
Lee Mack, who regularly featured on panel shows with Lock, wrote: "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."
The Mash Report's Nish Kumar added: "This is terrible news."
Advert
Comedian and star of BBC mockumentary People Just Do Nothing, Asim Chaudhry, wrote on Twitter: "RIP. Geeza had funny bones. Condolences to his family."
8 Out Of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr wrote on Twitter: "Brutal news about Sean Lock today. I loved him. I’m watching clips of him right now - laughing and crying. I’ll miss him so much."
Former comedy co-star, Jason Manford, wrote: "I’m absolutely gutted about this. So heartbroken for his wife and children.
“One of the funniest men I’ve ever worked with and I used to adore occasionally making him laugh on my first proper telly job, 8 Out of 10 Cats.
Advert
“I texted him couple of weeks ago and I’m now so glad I did.
“If you’ve a friend who you’ve not spoken to for a while, drop them a message and check in. It could be the last time."
Sean's Eight Out Of Ten Cats co-star, Jon Richardson, posted a thread dedicated to the comedian.
"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," he wrote.
"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."
Featured Image Credit: ShutterstockTopics: Celebrity