Tim Brooke-Taylor death: Goodies co-member Graeme Garden leads tributes after comedian dies of coronavirus

'The world has been robbed – he had years more joy to give, ' David Mitchell wrote on Twitter

The world of entertainment is paying tribute to Tim Brooke-Taylor, who has died aged 79 after contracting coronavirus.

Brooke-Taylor’s agent confirmed the news in a statement, reading: “It is with great sadness that we announce Tim’s death early today from Covid-19.”

The comedian and actor was best known as a member of comedy group The Goodies alongside Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie.

Following the announcement, Graeme Garden told the BBC: “[I am] terribly saddened by the loss of a dear colleague and close friend of over 50 years”

He continued: “He was a funny, sociable, generous man who was a delight to work with Audiences found him not only hilarious but also adorable. His loss at this dreadful time is particularly hard to bear.”

Comedian Jack Dee, who hosts BBC radio series I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue, added: “It has come as devastating news to hear that Tim has succumbed to this dreadful virus – especially when we all thought he was recovering.

“Tim was a delightful man and never anything but great company. It has always been one of the great joys of my career to work with someone who was part of the comedy landscape of my childhood.”

Brooke-Taylor was a frequent panellist on the show for more than 40 years.

David Mitchell added: “This is terribly sad news. He was a wonderful comedian and a really lovely man and I feel honoured to have known and worked with him. The world has been robbed – he had years more joy to give.”

Shappi Khorsandi called him “a lovely and funny man”, writing: “Oh I’m very sad to hear Tim Brooke Taylor has died. A big part of nurturing my love of comedy as a kid.”

Rory Bremner wrote: “Always a Goodie, his modesty belied a huge legacy in British comedy.”

The actor and comedian would have turned 80 on 17 July.

He is survived by his wife Christine, whom he married in 1968, and their two sons, Ben and Edward.