Channel 4 is to pay tribute to Sean Lock with a special night of programming this evening (19.08.21).
Sean Lock
Following the comedian's death this week aged 58, the channel will air stand-up special 'Sean Lock: Keep it Light' at 10pm tonight, followed at 11pm by a classic episode of '8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown'.
Channel 4’s Chief Creative Officer Ian Katz described Sean as "one of the most original voices in comedy and one of the loveliest people too".
He added: "Sean’s bone-dry wit helped make '8 Out of 10 Cats' one of Channel 4’s best loved shows and we owe him a huge debt of thanks for all the years of laughter and fun."
What's more, All 4 will highlight a collection of Sean’s much-loved TV appearances, including '8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown'.
The channel added: "Sean Lock is a much-loved part of the Channel 4 family and has played a pivotal role on the channel for over two decades.
"He has brought so much laughter and joy both on and off screen. We will miss him hugely. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this very difficult time."
Sean's agent Off The Kerb Productions confirmed yesterday (18.08.21) he had passed away from cancer.
They said in a statement: "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."
Several stars have since paid tribute to the comedy legend, including Ricky Gervais, Jason Manford, Jon Richardson, Rob Beckett, and '8 Out of 10 Cats' presenter Jimmy Carr.
He tweeted: "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. (sic)"
Susie Dent - who appeared alongside Sean on '8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown' - tweeted: "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."