World of showbiz says thanks for the laughs to Andrew Sachs

Celebrities have paid tribute to actor Andrew Sachs, best known for his role as the hapless waiter Manuel in the 1970s sitcom Fawlty Towers.

Sachs who died at the age of 86 was reportedly buried on Thursday after a four-year battle with vascular dementia.

John Cleese who starred as Basil Fawlty, Manuel's boss in Fawlty Towers led the tributes calling him "a very sweet, gentle and kind man" adding that he had "no idea" Andrew's life had been in danger.

Andrew and Melody Sachs pictured in 2009. Credit: PA

Little Britain creator David Walliams described Sachs as "a beautiful soul" he tweeted that his performances in Fawlty Towers were "comic perfection".

Comedian Omid Djalili tweeted he had "fond memories sharing a dressing room with him & Bill Bailey at We Are Most Amused in 2008."

Actor Vicki Michelle best known for her role in Ello Ello said: "So sorry to hear of #AndrewSachs passing. Happy memories of working with him, a lovely gentle man. Thoughts are with his family."

Andrews Sachs with his Fawlty Towers cast members Prunella Scales, John Cleese and Connie Booth Credit: PA

Actor Eddie Marsan said "You came here as a refugee with nothing but your talent and your spirit" he said on Twitter "you enriched our lives. Thank you so much."

Robert Llewellyn, who played Kryten in Red Dwarf, tweeted: "Lovely Andrew Sachs has passed away. Never met him but laughed myself sick watching him."

Blackadder actor Sir Tony Robinson wrote on Twitter "So sad that Andrew Sachs has died. A true friend and a kindred spirit".