EDDIE Izzard has paid tribute to comedian Sean Lock who has died of cancer at the age of 58.

The comedian, who lives in Bexhill, paid tribute to Sean in a tweet, saying: “So sorry to hear this. Farewell Sean, you brought a wonderful comedic talent to the world, and you will be missed”.

Pointless host Richard Osman, who worked with Sean Lock as a producer on Jimmy Carr’s Channel 4 comedy panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, described Sean as “unique and brilliant”.

The Burgess Hill-born star wrote on Twitter: “Over 15 years producing ‘8 Out Of 10 Cats’ Sean Lock made me laugh so much and so often.

“A unique and brilliant comic voice. Love to his family and his many friends.”

Sean, known for his surreal content and deadpan style, was a team captain on 8 Out Of 10 Cats and spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.

He also wrote and starred in the popular BBC sitcom 15 Storeys High.

A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions said: “It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock.

“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.”

Sean, who had lived in Lewes, made his first TV appearances was in 1993, starring alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.

He script-edited the 1998 BBC Two series, Is It Bill Bailey? and had his own show on BBC Radio 4 called 15 Minutes Of Misery, which was later expanded into TV series 15 Storeys High.

The show was set in a tower block and centred on a pessimistic character called Vince (played by Lock) and his flatmate Errol, played by Benedict Wong.

In 2005 Lock became a regular team captain on the panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, a role he held for 18 series.

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