Sir Bruce Forsyth says today (31.03.16) is "one of the saddest days" of his life following the tragic death of Ronnie Corbett.

Ronnie Corbett

Ronnie Corbett

The 88-year-old presenter - who has been friends with the late star throughout the majority of his career - has been riddled with sorrow since he learnt the diminutive funnyman had died at the age of 85.

Speaking to the BBC, Sir Bruce said: "Ronnie was a friend, someone I admired so much. It's a very very sad day, I am going to miss him like crazy, I really will.

"We loved rehearsing together, I think I can speak for him the same way, we loved getting in the rehearsal room and go through the things we were going to do - we had a sense of humour about each other, which is why he was so lovely to work with."

And the 'Strictly Come Dancing' host wasn't the only one to pay his respects to the legendary star just moments after the sad news broke this morning as David Walliams referred to him as a "comedy idol."

The 'Britain's Got Talent' judge - who worked with the comedian on the show 'The One Ronnie' in 2010 - wrote on Twitter: "Goodbye my friend and comedy idol #RonnieCorbett Thank you for all the laughs. It was the greatest honour to know and work with you. (sic)"

Miranda Hart has been in floods of tears since hearing the news, while Russell Crowe thanked Ronnie for "all the laughs."

The 43-year-old comedienne said: "Having a little weep at the death of one of my heroes Ronnie Corbett. As he would say "Miranda you can't look up to me". Goodbye from me."

And the Hollywood actor added: "It's good night from Ronnie Corbett. Thanks for all the laughs mate. (sic)"

Ronnie broke hearts around the country this morning when it was announced he'd sadly passed away in the early hours surrounded by his nearest and dearest.

His cause of death is yet to be announced but he has battled with ill-health - including gall stone problems, a knee operation and a collapse - over the past four years.

Despite his battle with poor health in recent years, the Scottish-born funnyman has spent most of his life on television screens.

He was most recently seen starring in the Radio 4 sitcom 'When the Dog Dies' but is best known for his appearance alongside the late Ronnie Barker, who died of heart failure in 2005, in the hit comedy 'The Two Ronnies' in the 70s and 80s.

He is survived by his wife Anne Hart, whom he married in 1965, and their two grown-up daughters Emma and Sophie Corbett.

Tagged in