Legendary comedian Barry Cryer has died at the age of 86.
The Leeds born comic wrote for some of the biggest names in show-business including The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise.
He was also a talented performer who appeared on shows such as BBC Radio 4's Sorry I Haven't A Clue.
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His family have released a statement to confirm the comedy star "died peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him".
It said: "It is our sad duty to inform you that our dear dad Barry (or Baz to his mates) died on Tuesday afternoon (25th January 2022) at Northwick Park Hospital, in Harrow.
"However, we're pleased to say that he died peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him. He was 86.
"Dad was a talented comedy writer and comedian in a particularly golden vintage. Incidentally he never really liked the terms 'comedy writer' or 'comedian' instead preferring hack and entertainer, and always thought the term 'national treasure' meant he'd just been dug up. He was, in his words, arrogant in his humility.
"He had a gift for friendship (as anyone who still has a landline will testify) and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot. Over many years.
"Baz was, firstly, a loving husband to Terry for nearly sixty years and a gentle father to Tony, David, Jack, Bob. He was a friend to their partners Jayne, Matt, Garry and Suzannah. As a grandfather Ruby, Tom, Evan, Archie, Hope, Martha and Connie all loved him and more recently, Ruby's daughter, Isobel, had the good fortune to spend time with him as a great grandfather."
The statement continued: "Never lose touch with silly, he said, quoting his idol Humphrey Lyttelton - something we've all been very grateful for in the last few days."
It also thanked doctors, nurses and consultants who had cared for their father, mentioning the names of people from Macmillan, adding: "It'll be of no surprise to those that knew and worked with him that he was telling an Archbishop of Canterbury joke to a nurse not long before he died.
"That was one of his gifts, making strangers feel welcome. Making them laugh."
His family said a funeral would take place in the coming weeks and would be followed later by a "more inclusive" memorial service.
The statement continued: "Don't worry, there'll be plenty of opportunities over the coming year to raise "just the one" to the old man.
"Details of both the funeral and the memorial service will be posted on Twitter at @barrycryer80."
The family also asked for messages, photos or videos to be submitted to a book of condolence, details of which would also be announced on Twitter.
It added: "He leaves behind him a life of fun, joy, love and silliness and we'll all be doing our best to maintain that legacy. He regularly told fantastic stories and anecdotes about others - the many brilliant and fascinating people he'd worked with and knew - but as he was loved and admired by to many - why don't we start telling some stories about Baz and his brilliant and mischievous life and career?
"And to end, as Dad would say, 'Same time tomorrow?"
Tributes have poured in from people who worked with the iconic funnyman.
The Chase's Paul Sinha said: "RIP Barry Cryer. Every minute spent in his company was a privilege."
League of Gentleman's Mark Gatiss said: "Barry Cryer was the real deal. An incredibly funny man who worked with - and wrote for - the giants of comedy. Yet he remained forever curious and delighted by whatever was fresh and original. Kind, encouraging, generous and a one off. Goodbye, Cheeky."
Stephen Fry added: "Such sad news, one of the absolute greats of British comedy, Barry Cryer, is no more. A glorious, gorgeous, hilarious and gifted writer and performer who straddled all the comic traditions. Universally beloved … farewell, Baz."
This Morning's Gyles Brandreth tweeted: "RIP #BarryCryer. Here we are only a few weeks ago. Baz was just the loveliest guy: funny & generous. He’d worked with everybody & everybody he worked with liked him. I shall miss his happy company so much - & his regular phone calls: he gave you a gem of a joke with each one."
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