Reacties op de dood van Rik Mayall

Ade Edmondson: I feel privileged to have known Rik

Rik Mayall, who has died aged 56, with comedy partner Ade Edmondson. Credit: PA/BBC

Actor and long-time friend Adrian Edmondson said of Rik Mayall: "There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing. They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him.

"And now he's died for real. Without me. Selfish b*****d."

Rik Mayall's widow Barbara has thanked the public for their support following his death, but gave a cheeky nod to her late husband while doing so.

Barbara Robbin said in a statement: "We now know that our darling Rik suffered an 'acute cardiac event' at our home around midday on June 9th.

"He had just returned from his usual run and many people had seen him that morning."

"I, Rosie, Sid, Bonnie and the many in our extended family who have received the thousands and thousands of messages of condolence from all over the UK and beyond these shores would like to say thank you to each and every one of you for your heartfelt love and support.

"I would also like to thank the press for their discretion at this time and for all the wonderful coverage that you have given Rik. It would have made him very happy.

"We always knew that Rik was well loved but we are all overwhelmed by so many joining us in our grief.

"I am sure that you all know Rik's response would be something along the lines of, 'Well thanks very much all of you ... now f*** off!'"