Comedy legend Barry Cryer has died at the age of 86 - and his beloved family have shared a stunning tribute to the much-loved star.
The funnyman was described as a 'giant of British comedy' and one of the 'absolute greats' in a series of heartfelt tributes shared after news of his passing.
News of Barry's passing was confirmed by the star's family who said he died 'peacefully, in good spirits and with his family around him' on the afternoon of Tuesday, January 25.
"He had a gift for friendship and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot," they said in a statement.
"Dad was a talented comedy writer and comedian in a particularly golden vintage," they added.
A statement 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."
The statement from the comic's family 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'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."
Barry's career in the entertainment industry spanned several decades and saw him work alongside comedy legends including Tommy Cooper, Les Dawson, The Two Ronnies and Morecambe and Wise.
His family also praised him as a loving husband and gentle family man, who leaves behind wife of 60 years Terry, children Tony, David, Jack and Bob and seven grandchildren.
Following news of his death today, celebrity friends and admirers of Barry flocked to social media to pay tribute.
His family shared: "He had a gift for friendship and a genius for putting people at their ease. Oh yes, and he made many people laugh. A lot."
Stephen Fry tweeted: "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."
Meanwhile, This Morning and Celebrity Gogglebox star Gyles Brandreth described Barry as 'a great mentor and friend'.
