Ronnie Corbett: 'Comedy great' dies aged 85
Ronnie Corbett, hailed as a "true great of British comedy", has died at the age of 85.
Best known as one half of the comedy duo "The Two Ronnies'" with his late friend Ronnie Barker, their sketch show was one of the most popular of the 20th century.
It also gave birth to the famous catchphrase: "It's goodnight from me ... and it's goodnight from him."
Died surrounded by his family
A statement from Corbett's publicist said "one of the nation's best-loved entertainers passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family."
It is thought the star had been in ill health for some time.
His wife of more than 50 years, Anne Hart, said he collapsed and was rushed to hospital in 2012 at a celebration dinner to mark his CBE award.
Tributes to "one of the true greats of British comedy"
Stars of the comedy world were quick to pay tribute to Corbett, who as well as being a great comic was described as "one of the nicest men in the business".
His friend John Cleese, who worked with him on Sixties comedy show The Frost Report, said "he had the best timing I've ever watched".
"He was a great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion," he added.
Sir Bruce Forsyth also paid tribute to his "true friend" telling ITV News: "He was a naturally funny man, just the size of him and his little walk.
"He was such a joy to be with. He was funny all the time.
"Even when he was talking about something serious, there would always be a little look in his eyes and you'd start to go a bit. I will miss him."
Rob Brydon, who is known for doing Ronnie Corbett impressions, called him a "truly great comedian, a great man and a great friend."
The Gavin and Stacey star added: "He was one of the special ones."
Other stars to pay tribute included Michael Parkinson, who was close to tears as he told ITV News: "I am unutterably sad today because I really loved him."
And comic Ken Dodd described Corbett as a "superb diddy man who I shall miss very, very much."
He added Corbett and Barker, who died in 2005, were "Britain's best-ever double act".
Comedy stars Corbett inspired also tweeted their sadness at his death.
And it seems Corbett was somewhat of a catwalk star too as seen in this picture posted by former X Factor winner Alexandra Burke.
A versatile career
Born Ronald Balfour Corbett in Edinburgh on December 4, 1930, he got his first taste of acting aged 15 playing the Wicked Aunt in a pantomime at his church youth club.
This led to him practising his craft in pubs while also running the bar at the Buckstone Club in London where he first met Ronnie Barker in 1963.
In the Sixties, David Frost invited Corbett, who had by then forged a reputation for himself, to join Barker and John Cleese in The Frost Report - a move Corbett always said "turned my life around".
Subsequent TV success followed with Frost on Sunday, Corbett's Follies, and the sitcom No, That's Me Over Here.
But Corbett and Barker finally got their big break in the Seventies when the BBC signed them up and The Two Ronnies was born.
Family
Corbett was married to wife Anne Hart for more than 50 years after meeting her on the London club circuit in the 1960s.
She gave up her own entertainment career to raise their two daughters Emma and Sophie.
Speaking in 2013, she said she didn't regret it as "family comes first, and always will".