Manchester celebrities have taken to Twitter in tribute to comedian Rik Mayall, who died this morning at the age of 56.
The Bottom and Blackadder star, who met long-time partner and fellow Young One Ade Edmondson at Manchester University, passed away at his London home.
And Manchester celebrities have paid their respects on the social media site.
Prolific tweeters Stephen Fry, who worked Mayall on Blackadder, Jason Manford and Coronation Street star Anthony Cotton led the way from stars of the small screen:
Crossing the Atlantic with wifi. Simply distraught to hear of the death of Rik Mayall. An authentic comedy genius and a prince among men.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) June 9, 2014
RIP Rick Mayall. Sad news.
— JasonManford (@JasonManford) June 9, 2014
Feel genuinely sad about Rik Mayall. Used to make me belly laugh when I was a kid watching The Young Ones.
— Antony Cotton (@antonycotton) June 9, 2014
Neil Fitzmaurice, who co-wrote Peter Kay’s Bolton comedy Phoenix Nights, also shared his memories of Mayall:
Growing up as I did in the Comic Strip and The Young Ones era the death of Rik Mayall is very very sad! Loved his madness! RIP comedy gold!
— Neil Fitzmaurice (@Fitzyfella) June 9, 2014
Away from show business, Hulme councillor Nigel Murphy and the Manchester-based Lesbian and Gay Foundation also shared their sadness:
Sad news: British actor Rik Mayall, who starred in comedies The Young Ones & Blackadder, dies aged 56 http://t.co/6Rk66SN7v0
— Nigel Murphy (@CllrNigel) June 9, 2014
Very sad to hear that British comedian & actor Rik Mayall has died, aged 56 http://t.co/uUPmNNvjdL pic.twitter.com/qyxWXQiK6y
— The LGF (@lgfoundation) June 9, 2014
Away from the city, Charlie Brooker managed to fit an inspiring send-off into 140 characters:
Rik Mayall was just pure wiry, energetic, unpredictable humour poured into the shape of a human. You couldn’t not watch him.
— Charlie Brooker (@charltonbrooker) June 9, 2014
Inbetweeners star James Buckley, who worked with Mayall on the 2011 comedy The Hunt for Tony Blair, added this emotional tweet about his ‘hero’:
I’m rocked by Rik Mayall’s passing. Was so lucky to have worked with him. Was such a hero and influence for me. Don’t really no what to say
— James Buckley (@James_Buckley) June 9, 2014
Fellow TV and radio funny men Noel Fielding, Chris Evans and Keith Chegwin also expressed sadness at the loss:
Growing up there was no one funnier ! We will really miss you Rik Mayall you genius x pic.twitter.com/tm0wcPcwcU
— noel fielding (@noelfielding11) June 9, 2014
RT @HylandIan: RIP Rik Mayall. I’m off to hit the gasman with a frying pan. It’s the least I can do.
— Chris Evans (@achrisevans) June 9, 2014
Such sad news about Rik Mayall. A great loss. Thoughts are with his family at this tough time
— Keith Chegwin (@thekeithchegwin) June 9, 2014
And British brewery Bombadier also sent their condolences to Mayall after he headed up their recent advertising campaign:
We’re shocked and saddened to hear the news that Rik Mayall has passed away. Our condolences to his family & friends.
— Bombardier Beer (@Bombardier_beer) June 9, 2014
Image courtesy of Bombardier via YouTube with thanks
