Comedian Sean Lock has died from cancer aged 58.
His agent confirmed the news on Wednesday morning to the PA news agency.
Sean is best known for panel shows 8 Out Of 10 Cats and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as sitcom 15 Storeys High.
A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions to the PA news agency 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.”
Comedian Lee Mack, a close friend of Sean’s has been one of the first to pay tribute.
He 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”.
Fans of the comic and TV star have also been flooding social media to share their messages.
“Absolutely gutted to hear about the death of Sean Lock. One of the best comedians ever to have graced our planet. RIP,” one said.
Another tweeted: “RIP Sean Lock… legendary comedian and top bloke. World is a sadder place today.”
“Awww what a shock!! Loved Sean Lock. So funny. Can’t believe it. RIP,” a third said.
The Woking-born comic made his first professional TV appearances in 1993, starring alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.
He script-edited the 1998 BBC Two series, Is It Bill Bailey? and had his own show on BBC Radio 4 called 15 Minutes Of Misery, which was later expanded into TV series 15 Storeys High.
In 2005 he became a regular team captain on the panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, a role he held for 18 series.
Between 2006 and 2007 he hosted Channel 4 series, TV Heaven, Telly Hell, in which he invited celebrities to share their own selection of TV’s triumphs and tragedies.
Sean is survived by wife Anoushka Nara Giltsoff and their three children.