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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Scarlett O'Toole

Frank Skinner Show to release special tribute to Gareth Richards after his tragic death

Frank Skinner has announced he will host a special episode of his radio show to pay tribute to his beloved friend and co-star Gareth Richards, who sadly died aged 41.

Comedian Gareth sustained serious brain injuries following a "terrible car accident" and died on Friday after spending almost two weeks in hospital.

Taking to Twitter to announce the tribute episode, The Frank Skinner Show wrote: "We are heartbroken about the loss of our dear friend, Gareth. We will miss him greatly.

"Tomorrow we will be releasing a podcast of some of his Best Bits on our show."

Gareth's heartbroken wife Laura confirmed his death in a statement shared on Facebook.

Gareth Richards died at the age of 41 (INSTAGRAM)

"It is with great sadness that I have to share that Gareth passed away on Friday 7th April (Good Friday) at 6:30pm," she said.

"He was in a terrible car accident on Monday 27th March at 11:30pm and sustained serious brain injuries.

"It was a miracle that he arrived at the hospital alive. Since then, the doctors and nurses have been incredible and have kept him in stable and sedated condition.

"However, the latest scan revealed that the extent of the damage was so severe that they would have to remove all of the supportive medications and allow him to be at peace.

"The boys are bearing up well."

Frank Skinner will host a special show to honour his friend (Ken McKay/ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

She added: "There will be details of the funeral and other ways to remember Gareth to follow, as I know that he was well loved.

"At the moment the grief is a lot to cope with. Thank you all for your support and kindness."

The comedy world has been paying tribute to Gareth following his wife's Facebook statement.

Jason Manford wrote on Twitter: "Myself and the whole team at @ManfordsComedy are devastated to hear the news that Gareth Richards passed away today.

"He was a wonderfully inventive & funny comedian but more importantly a kind & thoughtful man. Our thoughts are with his wife & children at this time. Jason."

Comedian Rhys James added: "I was a fan of Gareth Richards before I met him and was so thrilled by how lovely and hilarious he was offstage as well as on.

"A giant of joke writing. A pleasure to know and an honour to die on my arse alongside at some real stinker network gigs back in the day. RIP."

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