Jeremy Hardy has died aged 57.

Jeremy Hardy

Jeremy Hardy

The comedian - who regularly appeared on TV show 'QI', and BBC Radio 4 panel programmes such as 'The News Quiz' and 'I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue' - passed away after losing his battle with cancer.

He was alongside his wife Katie Barlow and daughter Elizabeth Hardy - who he adopted when he was married to Kit Hollerbach - when he died.

Jeremy's publicist Amana Emery said his friends and family are "immensely sad" about his passing.

She said in a statement: "He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny.

"He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him.

"A fitting memorial will take place, details to be announced soon."

A post on the official BBC Radio 4 Twitter account read: "We are desperately sad to announce that Jeremy Hardy, mainstay of I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue and The News Quiz, and one of the funniest people around, has died of cancer aged 57. Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him."

'Pointless' co-host Richard Osman paid tribute to the late comedian, praising him as "naturally and brilliantly funny".

He tweeted: "I was very lucky to work with Jeremy Hardy early in my career. Every day was a masterclass, a privilege. He was so naturally and brilliantly funny, and a man who chose to use his comedy to change the world, rather than to fill stadia. A very sad day. #RIPJeremy (sic)"

Comedienne Angela Barnes wrote: "Utterly heartbroken to have to say goodbye to Jeremy Hardy. He was so very kind and supportive of me, I've had so many laughs sat next to him on the News Quiz and even more in the pub afterwards. So much love and strength to his family. Night Jeremy, cheers for the laughs xxx (sic)"