Sean Lock: Comedian and 8 Out of 10 Cats star dies aged 58 after cancer battle

Sean Lock, comedian and 8 out of 10 Cats star has died from cancer at the age of 58, his agent has confirmed.

The 8 Out of 10 Cats star and comedian Sean Lock has died at home from cancer aged 58, his agent has confirmed in a statement.

The comedy favourite, who appeared on QI, The Last Leg, Have I Got News for You, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year was best known for being a team captain on the Channel 4 panel show hosted by Jimmy Carr.

A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions reads, 'It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock. He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family.

'Sean was one of Britain's finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy.'

Sean leaves behind his wife Anoushka Nara Giltsoff, and their two daughters born in 2004 and 2006, and one son born in 2009.

The tribute continued, 'Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him. We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children is respected at this difficult time.'

Sean was diagnosed with skin cancer in 1990, which he attributed the condition to overexposure to the sun while working as a builder in the early 1980s. After seeing his GP, he was referred to a dermatologist at Guy's Hospital, London and despite making a full recovery, in recent months he had been unwell.

Tributes have been pouring in for the much-loved star, with fellow comedian Lee Mack, a close friend of Lock's, described the news of his death as "heart-breaking" in a statement released shortly after the news.

'A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much', Lee said.

Comedian Dara O’Briain tweeted, ‘This is desperately sad news. Such a brilliantly funny man.’

His former 8 Out of 10 Cats co-star Jon Richardson, paid tribute. He said, ‘I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didn’t diminish that in the least. An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice.’

Eddie Izzard wrote, ‘So sorry to hear this. Farewell Sean, you brought a wonderful comedic talent to the world and you will be missed.’

And Richard Osman added, ‘Over 15 years producing ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ Sean Lock made me laugh so much and so often. A unique and brilliant comic voice. Love to his family and his many friends.’

Sean appeared on the first 18 series, opposite team captains including Jason Manford and Jon Richardson.

Channel 4 paid tribute to the star, it tweeted, 'Incredibly sad to learn of the loss of one of our greatest comedians, Sean Lock. A much loved part of the C4 family he’s played a huge role on the channel for over 2 decades, and we’ll miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.'

You can see Sean in action on this clip below...

Sean left the show in 2015 and was replaced by Rob Beckett at the beginning of series 19.

And fans are heartbroken by the news of his death but they found the words to express their sorrow.

One fan tweeted, 'What a heartbreaker :( So shocked to hear this. He was brilliant. I am so, so sorry for his family, friends and work colleagues. God bless him.'

Another said, 'I'm in tears man. This guy and his bits helped me through some rough ass times. A small part of me died today. RIP Sean, you will not be forgotten. Thanks for the laughs mate.'

And a third fan added, 'R.I.P Sean Lock. Lovely guy, great comedian, will always be remembered. Biggest condolences to your family.'

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