Sir Bruce Forsyth has paid an emotional tribute to his late friend Ronnie Corbett, who passed away on 31 March aged 85. Speaking to the BBC, Sir Bruce said it was "one of the saddest days of my life"."Ronnie was a friend, someone who I admired so much. It's a very, very sad day. I'm going to miss him like crazy, I really will."
Sir Bruce Forsyth paid an emotional tribute to his late friend
The 88-year-old also recalled the first time he met Ronnie. "Well the first time I saw him was when he was working as one of the cast of the Danny La Rue show in the West End, the cabaret venue that he played a lot with Danny, and Danny and him were great together. "That was one of the wonderful things about Ronnie, he was very adaptable, he could work with anybody. Even me," the former Strictly Come Dancing host added with a laugh. "We always said a 'one-off', but he certainly was a one-off and a half. He really was. "A number of fellow entertainers have also paid tribute to Ronnie, one of Britain's best-loved comedians, following the news of his death.
John Cleese was among those honouring the entertainer
Monty Python star John Cleese 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."Miranda Hart wrote: "Having a little weep at the death of one of my heroes Ronnie Corbett. As he would say, 'Miranda you can't look up to me.' Goodbye from me."
Miranda Hart shared a poignant message
A message on Ant and Dec's Twitter read: "RIP Ronnie C. A comedy great and a gentleman. He will be sorely missed but his great work will live on. Goodnight from us x", while Hugh Laurie added: "Ronnie Corbett, may he rest in peace. A beautiful, brilliant man. "Close friend Sir Michael Parkinson described Ronnie as a "very easy man to love". "He was a perfect companion," he told the BBC. "He was bright. He could tell good stories. He was funny. He was very rarely depressed. Anne, his wife, she'll be distraught. I mean, it was a great marriage. They've been together for many, many years, and it was a very loving partnership. We were just mates and I shall miss him terribly."
David Walliams described Ronnie as his 'comedy idol'
"RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour & joy to have known you," tweeted Ricky Gervais, while Jason Manford wrote: "'And it's goodnight from him.' RIP Ronnie Corbett. Legend, Gentleman.
"Goodbye my friend and comedy idol #RonnieCorbett," added David Walliams. "Thank you for all the laughs. It was the greatest honour to know and work with you."