8 Out of 10 Cats comedian Sean Lock dies of cancer

18 August 2021, 11:01 | Updated: 18 August 2021, 17:58

Comedian Sean Lock, best known for his work on popular panel show 8 Out of 10 Cats, has died.

Mr Lock, who was 58, died of cancer, his agent told the PA news agency.

Jimmy Carr, the host of the hit Channel 4 show 8 Out of 10 Cats Does Countdown, which Mr Lock was a captain on, 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."

His fellow captain, Jon Richardson, tweeted: "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."

8 Out Of 10 Cats comedian Sean Lock dies at the age of 58

Mr Lock was famous as one of the captains on 8 Out of 10 Cats does Countdown, along with Mr Richardson.

The programme, which is hosted by Jimmy Carr, fuses the comedy panel show with the tea-time word and numbers game. He was well known for his dry remarks and quick wit.

Channel 4 said: "Incredibly sad to learn of the loss of one of our greatest comedians, Sean Lock.

"A much loved part of the C4 family he's played a huge role on the channel for over two decades, and we'll miss him.

"Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Others in the industry left moving tributes to the much-loved comic.

Bill Bailey wrote on Twitter: "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."

Lee Mack said in a statement: "I've known this day was coming for some time, but it's no less heart-breaking. A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much."

Dara Ó Briain said: "This is desperately sad news. Such a brilliantly funny man."

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."

Eddie Izzard said Mr Lock brought a "wonderful comedic talent to the world" while Pointless host Richard Osman, who produced him on 8 Out of 10 Cats, said said Mr Lock made him "laugh so much and so often".

The BBC quiz show QI, which Mr Lock was a regular guest on, said it was "deeply saddened" to hear about his death, and added that he "helped to shape the show with his fantastically sharp wit and anarchic good humour".

And Piers Morgan quoted a joke made at his expense by the comedian.