Eric Sykes - 'One Of The Greats' Eric Sykes Passes Away Aged 89

Sir Bruce Forsythe claimed that Sykes was "one of the greats of comedy in this country" according to the Bbc. "He was universally loved here," the entertainer continued. "He was just one of the funniest men ever." Stephen Fry meanwhile took to Twitter to pass on his respects, writing "Oh no! Eric Sykes gone? An adorable, brilliant, modest, hilarious, innovative and irreplaceable comic master. Farewell, dear, dear man."

Others who praised him included 'League of Gentleman' star Mark Gatiss who commented "The wonderful Eric Sykes has left us. A giant of comedy and a gentleman - funny to his very core. Rip." Comedian Robin Ince added his thoughts too, calling him "the last link to many of the most important early post war comedians" and "a great entertainer". Former Bbc head of comedy Jon Plowman paid tribute to Sykes as "a warm man, a kind man, a warm family man". He continued "We won't see his like again. He was a wonderful improviser."