Only Fools and Horses star Nicholas Lyndhurst has spoken out for the first time since the death of his son, aged 19.
Archie Lyndhurst, an actor who appeared on CBBC, died after what the channel said was “a short illness”.
An inquest into his death is due to be opened next week. It is currently being treated as “unexplained but unsuspicious”.
Comedy actor Lyndhurst said in a statement that he and his wife Lucy are “utterly grief stricken” by the news.
He added: “[We] respectfully request privacy.”
Archie is Rodney Trotter star Lyndhurst’s son with his wife of 21 years, Lucy Smith. He was born in 2000.
He followed his father into the acting profession and, in 2015, had his breakthrough as Ollie Coulton in kids show So Awkward.
Archie also appeared in the sitcom Bad Education, in which he played the young version of Jack Whitehall’s lead character.
He also played the young version of Whitehall at a few of the comedian’s stand-up shows.
Following the news, Whitehall paid touching tribute to Archie, and revealed the actor was bringing food to his parents who were stuck indoors during lockdown.
CBBC paid tribute to Lyndhurst, writing: “Archie will be hugely missed by all who worked with him, and by all the fans who laughed along with Ollie in the show.
The channel also urged any young fans feeling affected by the news to contact Childline.
