Sean Lock has died at the age of 58

British comedian Sean Lock has passed away at the age of 58 at his home after a long, private battle with cancer.

Sean's agent Off The Kerb Productions said in a statement, "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."

The comedian was a staple on British television and was loved by audiences for his various panel show appearances.

Sean was a team captain on the series 8 Out of 10 Cats, hosted by Jimmy Carr, and regularly appeared on 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown, a beloved spin-off of the show.

The comedian also appeared on other panel shows such as, QI, The Last Leg, Have I Got News for You, and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

Jon Richardson who worked alongside Sean shared a sweet memory of the late actor ash he spoke about Sean's 'truly unique voice.'

"I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didn’t diminish that in the least. An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice.

"I’m devastated for his family today and sad for comedy that we have lost one of the very best. Undisputed, undefeated, carrot in a box champion. I will miss him," said Jon.

Channel 4 took to social media to remember the comedian, "Incredibly sad to learn of the loss of one of our greatest comedians, Sean Lock. 

"A much loved part of the C4 family he’s played a huge role on the channel for over 2 decades, and we’ll miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."

Fellow comedian Isy Suttie said on Twitter, "Very sad news about Sean Lock. He was extremely talented. Love to his friends and family."

Ricky Gervais also took to social media to share a sweet message, "Such sad news. RIP the great Sean Lock. One of the funniest, most influential comedians of a generation. A lovely man."

Susie Dent, the dictionary corner expert on Countdown said that she was lost for words after hearing this news. 

She commented that as Sean would have been amused that she was lost for words on this occasion considering her job focuses on her ability to use the English language

 "I wish I had the words to describe the exceptional man that was Sean Lock. But today I don’t, and I think he might have liked it that way," said Susie.

Comedian Kevin Bridges said on social media, "Sean Lock; A brilliant comedian, obviously, but just a genuinely hilarious guy too and one of the soundest guys in comedy, from when I first started to when we last had a laugh together. Very sad news."

Bill Bailey also took to Twitter to say, "It’s heartbreaking to lose my dearest friend Sean Lock, he was a true original, a wonderful comic. All my thoughts are with his family."

Piers Morgan also shared one of Sean's quips and shared his condolences in a social media post. Although Piers was chastised by fans for making the comedian's death about himself.

Piers said, " 'If I could have my ashes spread anywhere I wanted, I'd have them spread in Piers Morgan's eyes.' RIP Sean Lock."

Fans have also been devastated by this news, but many have found comfort in Sean's comedy that he has left behind.

One fan event noted that the comedian has jokingly written his own obituary many years ago

The commemorative post said, "RIP Sean Lock. He's written his own Obituary and its stunning. :) ONE OF THE BEST."