British TV personality, comedian and writer Eric Sykes sadly passed away yesterday aged 89.

Eric had entertained audiences for over 60 years with his witty comedy and clever writing and had worked with some of the greats including Tommy Cooper and Spike Milligan.

Sykes began his career writing comedy sketches for radio shows and personlaities including Frankie Howerd, Tony Hancock and The Goon Show. Eric quickly transferred to our TV screens in the 50′s appearing in such shows as ‘Dress Rehearsal’ and ‘Sykes And A…’ instantly making him one of the nations favourite personalities. As well as his endless back catalogue of performances and TV sitcoms Eric was awarded an OBE in 1996 before being elevated to an CBE in 2004.

Stars of film and TV have been paying their respects to a man most considered a legend today via variioius media outlets.

TV personality Stephen Fry took to Twitter to offer his condolences, he said “Oh no! Eric Sykes gone? An adorable, brilliant, modest, hilarious, innovative and irreplaceable comic master. Farewell, dear, dear man” while another UK TV legend Bruce Forsyth also paid his respects saying “He was just one of the funniest men ever in comedy. What a shame so many young people would never have seen him in his prime.”

We send our full condolences to all of Eric’s friends and family at this difficult time, RIP Mr Sykes, comedy has lost a great!