Rik Mayall dead: David Walliams leads tributes to the late The Young Ones comedian

The entertainment world remembers the much-loved comedy legend

Rik Mayall stars in 'The Young Ones', 1981

David Walliams was one of the first to pay tribute to Rik Mayall, who died this morning, aged 56.

“I am heartbroken that my comedy idol growing up Rik Mayall has died. He made me want to be a comedian,” said Walliams on Twitter before sharing a clip of the actor as Lord Flashheart in Blackadder.

Scottish Asian comedian Sanjeev Kohli also remembered The Young Ones actor

“If it hadn't been for Rik Mayall, me & about 50 people I know wouldn't be working in comedy,” he tweeted.

“RIP Rik Mayall. Thank you for making me laugh a million times. Woof,” said Chris Moyles, while Chris Evans said:

“RIP Rik Mayall. I'm off to hit the gasman with a frying pan. It's the least I can do,” he wrote on Twitter, referring to Mayall’s famous slapstick comedy.

“Rik Mayall spread a lot of fun and laughter,” said author and playwright Irvine Welsh. “Very sad to see him taken before his time.

Mayall, who was also famous for his role of Alan Beresford B'Stard in The New Statesman, demonstrated his legendary humour with his one and only tweet, dated April 13 2010. The account has since been deleted.

"Opening my very own Twitter to stop another bastard from doing it," he wrote. "So f**k off and don't expect to hear from me any time soon. Love Rik x"

Mayall is survived by his wife Barbara and three children. Twitter tributes poured in for the comedian: