Suffolk-based Omid Djalili pays tribute following death of comedian Sean Lock

Suffolk-based comedian and actor Omid Djalili has paid tribute to Sean Lock, who has died from cancer aged 58.

Lock, a TV star known for his surreal content and dry style, was a team captain on Channel 4 comedy panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats.

He also had a successful stand up comedy career, touring a number of different shows.

In a tweet earlier today, Djalili spoke of his sadness of the news.

"Heartbroken to hear about the passing of Sean Lock," he said.

"Wonderful human being and easily one of the funniest on and off the stage.

"Love that he shunned social media and remained aloof from petty squabbles. Devastating loss."

Born in Woking, Surrey, Lock left school in the early 1980s and began working on building sites but developed skin cancer, which he blamed on over-exposure to the sun.

He made a full recovery and focused on a career in comedy.

One of his first professional TV appearances was in 1993, starring alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.

Following the news of his death, a statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions was released.

“It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock," it said.

“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 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.”

Tributes have poured in for Lock including from Lee Mack, Jimmy Carr, and Bill Bailey, who all spent time working with him.

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