Frank Kelly dies: Tributes to Father Jack from sitcom Father Ted

Actor Frank Kelly, best known for playing Father Jack in hit TV comedy Father Ted, has died aged 77.

Irish national broadcaster RTÉ, on whose programmes Kelly had appeared several times during a 60-year stage and screen career, announced his death.

Graham Linehan, writer of the show, wrote on Twitter that he was "terribly sad" upon hearing the news.

The veteran actor died exactly 18 years to the day his co-star in the Channel 4 sitcom, Dermot Morgan, died.

Morgan's son, Don Morgan, commented on the coincidence on social media.

Ardal O'Hanlon, who played Father Dougal McGuire, the third of Father Ted's trio of hapless clergymen, said: "Frank was an all-round talent, an institution in Irish entertainment, a very determined professional and he'll be greatly missed by all who knew him."

Kelly had a small part in the Italian Job in 1969, and also had a five-month appearance in ITV soap Emmerdale.

However, it was for the foul-mouthed, drunken Father Jack - and the catchphrase "drink!" - that he will best be remembered by most.

He announced last year that he had been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease, telling RTE at the time: "I've been working as an actor for over 50 years, and a shaky hand certainly won't stop me."