Comedian Sean Lock has died at the age of 58.

A statement from his agent Off The Kerb Productions to the PA news agency 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.”

Lock was a team captain on the series 8 out of 10 Cats, hosted by Jimmy Carr.

He also appeared on QI, The Last Leg, Have I Got News for You and The Big Fat Quiz of the Year.

Comedian Lee Mack, a close friend of Sean Lock’s said: “I’ve known this day was coming for some time, but it’s no less heart-breaking.

"A true original both in comedy and life.

"I will miss him so much”.

Comedian Alan Davies paid tribute to “hilarious” Sean Lock.

He wrote on Twitter: “Sad news about Sean Lock. Funny on stage, hilarious off.

“We met in 1988 right at the start of our stand up careers.

“I hadn’t seen him in recent years as he quietly wrestled with illness but I feel very sad today for Anoushka and their children. RIP Locky.”

Lock was born in Woking, Surrey and left school in the early 1980s to begin working on building sites.

He then developed skin cancer, which he blamed on over-exposure to the sun.

He made a full recovery and focused on a career in comedy.

Eddie Izzard paid tribute to Sean Lock 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 panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats, 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.”

Comedian Jason Manford paid tribute to Sean Lock on Twitter, saying that he had texted the comedian “a few weeks” prior to his death on Wednesday.

He wrote on Twitter: “I’m absolutely gutted about this. So heartbroken for his wife and children.

“One of the funniest men I’ve ever worked with and I used to adore occasionally making him laugh on my first proper telly job, 8 Out of 10 Cats.

“I texted him couple of weeks ago and I’m now so glad I did.

“If you’ve a friend who you’ve not spoken to for a while, drop them a message and check in. It could be the last time.”

Comedian Jon Richardson, who appeared on panel shows alongside Sean Lock, said comedy had “lost one of the very best” as he paid tribute.

He tweeted: “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.

In a second tweet, he wrote: “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.”

Comedian David Baddiel called Sean Lock “one of the funniest men I ever knew”, after it was announced that he had died from cancer at the age of 58.

He tweeted: “Devastated to hear about Sean Lock. He toured with Newman and Baddiel on our last show together.

“One of the funniest men I ever knew.”

Channel 4 has paid tribute to “one of our greatest comedians”, as it was announced that Sean Lock has died of cancer aged 58.

“Incredibly sad to learn of the loss of one of our greatest comedians, Sean Lock”, the channel wrote on Twitter.

“A much loved part of the C4 family he’s played a huge role on the channel for over two decades, and we’ll miss him.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”