Sean Lock: 'One of the funniest men I ever knew' - comedians lead tributes to 8 Out Of 10 Cats star | Ents & Arts News | Sky News

Sean Lock: 'One of the funniest men I ever knew' - comedians lead tributes to 8 Out Of 10 Cats star

Countdown's Susie Dent, 8 Out Of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr, comedians Bill Bailey and David Baddiel, and QI panellist Alan Davies are among the stars paying tribute to the late Sean Lock, who has died from cancer aged 58.

Lock was known for his appearances on popular panel shows, including 8 Out Of 10 Cats
Image: Lock was known for his appearances on popular panel shows, including 8 Out Of 10 Cats
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Fellow comedians and TV stars have paid tribute to Sean Lock, who has died from cancer aged 58.

Lock, best known for panel shows 8 Out Of 10 Cats and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, died at home surrounded by his family, his agent said.

8 Out Of 10 Cats host Jimmy Carr 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."

Ricky Gervais tweeted: "Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man."

Comedian and presenter Richard Osman called Lock "a unique and brilliant comic voice".

He tweeted: "Over 15 years producing '8 Out Of 10 Cats' Sean Lock made me laugh so much and so often. A unique and brilliant comic voice. Love to his family and his many friends #RIPSean".

Countdown's Dictionary Corner star Susie Dent, who also appears on the post-watershed 8 Out Of 10 Cats version, described Lock as an "exceptional man".

She 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."

David Baddiel called Lock "one of the funniest men I ever knew", while Jon Richardson, who appeared on panel shows alongside Lock, said comedy had "lost one of the very best".

He added: "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."

Comedian Bill Bailey also tweeted about the "heartbreaking" news.

He said: "It's heartbreaking to lose my dearest friend Sean Lock , he was a true original, a wonderful comic. All my thoughts are with his family."

Eddie Izzard mourned the loss of Lock by saying: "So sorry to hear this. Farewell Sean, you brought a wonderful comedic talent to the world and you will be missed."

Comedian Simon Evans called the news "utterly, utterly horrific".

Scottish stand-up comedian Janey Godley said that being treated to Lock's humour offstage was "the best experience anyone can have".

QI panellist Alan Davies tweeted: "Sad news about Sean Lock. Funny on stage, hilarious off.

"We met in 1988 right at the start of our stand up careers. I hadn't seen him in recent years as he quietly wrestled with illness but I feel very sad today for Anoushka and their children. RIP Locky."