Tributes pour in for 'unique and brilliant' Sean Lock following comedian's death at age 58
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Tributes pour in for 'unique and brilliant' Sean Lock following comedian's death at age 58

THE WORLD of comedy is in mourning today following the death of Sean Lock, who passed away at the age of 58.

Lock died at home surrounded by his family following a lengthy battle with cancer.

The comedian was best known for his dead-pan style and was a much loved team captain on Channel 4's panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats and the popular spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

He gained notoriety during the 90s but shot to mainstream prominence in the early-to-mid 00s with appearances on shows like QI, Have I Got News For You and Live At The Apollo.

Comedians from all over Britain and Ireland flocked to social media this morning to pay tribute to him.

Bill Bailey said it was heartbreaking to lose his "dearest friend," describing Lock at as a "true original" and "a wonderful comic".

Lee Mack also praised Lock's originality "in both comedy and life" while Jon Richardson - Lock's fellow team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats for many years - said he had an "incredible comedic brain".

"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," Richardson wrote on Twitter.

"I'm devastated for his family today and sad for comedy that we have lost one of the very best.

"Undisputed, undefeated, carrot in a box champion. I will miss him."

Jason Manford sent a poignant post, revealing that he'd texted Lock a few weeks to tell him how much he missed him, and urged others to reach out to their friends because you never know when it could be "the last time".

Susie Dent, who worked with Lock on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, said: "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."

Meanwhile Rick Gervais described Lock as "one of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation," as well as a "lovely man".

Lock, who is survived by three children as well as his wife Anoushka, was a avid supporter of Chelsea FC, and the club took to social to add to the tributes.

"Everyone at Chelsea FC is saddened to learn of the passing of Sean Lock. Sean was a much-loved comedian, fans of the Blues and a regular at Stamford Bridge. We send our deepest condolences to his family and friends."

Lock was diagnosed with skin cancer in 1990, attributing the condition to overexposure to the sun while working as a builder in the early 1980s.

He worked a series of jobs as a young man, including spending three months as a goatherd in France.

Lock was raised as a Catholic but said he became an atheist when he was about 14-years-old.