Michael Palin and Barry Cryer will lead the tributes to Ronnie Corbett on an updated episode of The One Show tonight, following the sad news earlier today of the comedian and entertainer's death.

Advertisement

Former Python Palin worked with Corbett during their early years in comedy. Speaking to Martha Kearney on Radio 4's World at One this afternoon, Palin said of his "good friend" Corbett: "He was a marvellous, sharp, concise performer. His sense of comic timing was absolutely perfect.

"Ronnie had a great sense of silliness, which I responded to. He could do the serious stuff as well, but there was a lovely sort of mischief. His eyes twinkled and he'd have a go at it. He was absolutely delightful to play with, and against, and do material with – and also just a good friend too.

"He was never one of those perfomers who got tired or world weary, he always seemed to be enjoying what he was doing. The people he worked with felt that, it was an infectious feeling of enjoyment and fun."

Cryer met his wife and Corbett on the same day and once told the Daily Mail the couple counted him as "one of our oldest friends.

More like this

"I always say I tossed a coin and married her — nothing personal, Ron."

Advertisement

The One Show is tonight on BBC1 at 7pm

Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement