Ricky Gervais and Jimmy Carr are among the stars who have paid tribute to Sean Lock.
Ricky Gervais
The comedian passed away from cancer aged 58, and Ricky described Sean as one of the "most influential comedians of a generation", while Jimmy - who starred alongside the funnyman on '8 Out of 10 Cats' - was left in tears watching video clips of his pal following his death.
'After Life' star Ricky tweeted: "Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man."
'8 Out of 10 Cats' presenter Jimmy 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)"
Sean starred in the first 18 series of '8 Out of 10 Cats' alongside team captains Dave Spikey, Jason Manford, and Jon Richardson, who praised his "incredible comic brain and truly unique voice".
He wrote on Twitter: "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. (sic)"
Jason tweeted: "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. RIP mate xx
"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 (sic)"
Jason also shared the text message, which 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! [crying-laughter emoji].
"Anyway, just wanted to check in and wish you and your family all the best. Love of love and hopefully see you soon. Jason. (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."
Sean departed '8 Out of 10 Cats' in 2015, and he was replaced as a team captain by Rob Beckett.
Rob took to Instagram to share a picture of the late star, and he added the tribute: "One of the best to do it".
A statement from Channel 4 - where Sean worked for more than 20 years - read: "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 two decades, and we’ll miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
Sean was a fan of Chelsea FC, and the club also paid tribute to the comedian via social media.
A post on the Blues' Twitter account read: "Everyone at Chelsea FC is saddened to learn of the passing of Sean Lock.
"Sean was a much-loved comedian, fan of the Blues and a regular at Stamford Bridge. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."
Fellow comedian Lee Mack said: "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."
Sean's agent Off The Kerb Productions confirmed he had passed away at home, surrounded by his family.
The star was diagnosed with skin cancer in 1990, but he went on to make a full recovery.
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