Legendary comic writer Eddie Braben, who worked with acts such as Morecambe and Wise, Ken Dodd and Ronnie Corbett, has died aged 82.
Braben's manager Norma Farnes confirmed that the writer had died this morning (May 21).
In a statement, Farnes said: "The writer Eddie Braben, the third man behind the success of Morecambe and Wise, died this morning at the age of 82 after a short illness.
"It was Billy Cotton Jnr at the BBC who recognised the brilliance of Eddie's writing was the ideal marriage that would guarantee the success of Morecambe and Wise.
"He is survived by his loving wife Dee, three children and six grandchildren."
Braben started working with Morecambe and Wise in 1969 and was regarded as a key member of their writing team and one of the most gifted comic talents of his era.
In recent years, the writer has revealed how he suffered from stress and nerves during Morecambe and Wise's most successful years, admitting that the weight of expectation surrounding the comedy duo's famous Christmas specials felt like it was resting on his shoulders.
Comedians have started paying tribute to Braben on Twitter this morning, describing the writer as a "TV hero".
"Eddie Braben: a man who, comically, played all the right notes, in the right order, all the time. RIP: and many thanks," wrote David Baddiel.
Richard Osman wrote: "Eddie Braben was my absolute TV hero. The greatest 'behind the cameras' talent of them all. A hero to anyone who ever tried to write a joke."
Britain's Got Talent star David Walliams said: "Thank you so much for the immense joy you brought us all Eddie Braben."
