Ronnie Corbett: Friends and stars pay tribute

Ronnie Corbett was half of one of the biggest comedy double acts of all time

The news of Ronnie Corbett's death has prompted an outpouring of tributes from stars and fans worldwide.

A host of comedians, including John Cleese, Ricky Gervais and David Walliams, have been singing his praises, with Walliams saying it was the "greatest honour" to have worked with him.

Veteran comedian and actor John Cleese, who worked with Corbett on The Frost Report, including the famous class sketch, tweeted: "Just heard about Ronnie C. So sad. He had the best timing I've ever watched. He was a great, kind mentor and a wonderfully witty companion."

Comedian Gervais, who appeared alongside Ronnie in his TV show Extras, took to Twitter, saying: "RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour & joy to have known him."

Entertainer Walliams, tweeted: "Goodbye my friend and comedy idol #RonnieCorbett Thank you for all the laughs. It was the greatest honour to know and work with you," adding "Goodnight."

Rob Brydon, who often does impressions of Corbett and also classed him as a friend, said: "So saddened that Ronnie Corbett has passed away. A truly great comedian, a great man and a great friend. He was one of the special ones. RIP."

Rob Brydon worked with Corbett on a number of shows

Comedian Matt Lucas said: "Goodbye lovely Ronnie xxx", while Julian Clary added: "R.I.P. Ronnie Corbett, a master of his craft and a huge star."

Actor and comedian David Mitchell tweeted: "I was lucky enough to meet Ronnie Corbett a few times and he was a lovely man. A great comedian and a real gentleman. RIP."

Comic actor Jack Whitehall, said: "RIP Ronnie Corbett, what a brilliant and funny man he was".

Comedian Sarah Millican, said: "Oh what sad news. Such a brilliant and lovely man."

Actor and comedian Hugh Laurie said: "Ronnie Corbett, may he rest in peace. A beautiful, brilliant man."

Comedian Jason Manford tweeted: "And it's goodnight from him. RIP Ronnie Corbett. Legend. Gentleman."

Dame Barbara Windsor recalled working with him a show called Twang!: "It was the biggest flop either of us ever had in our careers and we still laughed about it every time we bumped into each other over the years.

"Ronnie was a truly brilliant all-round performer as well as comedian who could do it all," she added.

Rob Brydon, Matt Lucas, David Walliams and Harry Enfield appeared with Corbett in The One Ronnie show

Comedian Harry Hill praised his "great timing and charisma", adding that one of the biggest thrills of his life was having him turn up unannounced at one of his shows. "They just don't make 'em like him anymore," he said.

And former Doctor Who actor Colin Baker wrote: "NO! Ronnie Corbett has left us. One of the nicest loveliest people I ever worked with. Too many greats going. Sad day."

Great British Bake Off judge Paul Hollywood said: "So sad to hear the news about Ronnie Corbett, I've always loved his work...A true legend , my thoughts are with his family xx."

Britain's leading politicians have also remarked on the sad news.

Prime Minister, David Cameron MP, took to Twitter to say: "Ronnie Corbett had the rare talent of making all generations laugh. He'll be remembered as one of the all time great comedians. "

Bruce Forsyth and Ronnie Corbett were golfing buddies

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn MP ‏ remarked: "Ronnie Corbett was a giant of British entertainment who was loved by millions. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family."

Sir Bruce Forsyth has spoken emotionally about his friend, colleague and fellow golf enthusiast Ronnie Corbett.

He told the BBC: "One of the saddest days of my life. Ronnie was a friend, someone I admired so much. It's a very, very sad day. I'm going to miss him like crazy, I really will."

Sir Bruce said one of the first times he saw him was when Corbett was working in the cast of a Danny La Rue show in the West End, and said the pair had been "great together".

"That was one of the wonderful things about Ronnie - he was very adaptable. He could work with anybody, even me. We always say a one-off, but he certainly was a one-off and a half. He really was."