Comedian Ronnie Corbett dies aged 85

Ronnie Corbett, the entertainer and comedian has passed away at the age of 85.

Corbett died surrounded by family, according to his publicist.

The entertainer worked alongside Ronnie Barker in the hit BBC TV comedy show The Two Ronnies between 1971 and 1987. In 2012 he was awarded a CBE for services to entertainment and charity.

As well as The Two Ronnies, Corbett had an extensive career across theatre, film and TV including a part in Extras where he played a fictional version of himself, caught taking drugs at the BAFTA Awards. Corbett starred in several theatre productions including Twang!!, a musical by Lionel Bart, in 1965 and he starred in the first London production of the musical The Boys from Syracuse in 1963 alongside Bob Monkhouse.

In a statement, Corbett's publicist said: "Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation's best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.

"They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."