Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn has lead the tributes to comedian Jeremy Hardy, following the news of his death.
Jeremy, who was a regular on Radio 4′s The News Quiz, died of cancer on Friday, his publicist has confirmed.
Corbyn, who Jeremy was a vocal supporter and of, honoured his “life-long friend” on Twitter.
He wrote: “Jeremy Hardy was a dear, lifelong friend. He always gave his all for everyone else and the campaigns for social justice.
“You made us all smile. You made us all think. Rest in peace, Jeremy.”
Stars of comedy and radio, including Richard Osman, Susan Calman and Julian Clary, were also among the first to pay their respects online, honouring the “wonderful” and “brilliantly funny” star.
Radio 4 also released a statement on Twitter, which read: “We are desperately sad to announce that Jeremy Hardy, mainstay of I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue and The News Quiz, and one of the funniest people around, has died of cancer aged 57.
“Our thoughts are with all who knew and loved him.”
As well as his work on Radio 4, which also included shows like I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue and Jeremy Hardy Speaks to the Nation, he was also a regular on TV’s QI.
He will also be remembered for playing Corporal Perkins in Blackadder Goes Forth, set during World War One.
Jeremy was outspoken in his political views and was a supporter of Jeremy Corbyn, speaking at a rally in 2016 when the Labour leader faced a leadership challenge from Owen Smith.
Announcing the news of his death, his publicist Amanda Emery said: “Friends and family of comedian Jeremy Hardy are immensely sad to announce that Jeremy died of cancer, early on Friday 1st February.
“He was with his wife and daughter as he died.He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny.
“He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him. A fitting memorial will take place, details to be announced soon.”
Jeremy was twice married, and was father to daughter Elizabeth Hardy.