Tributes flood in for former Goodies star Buxton-born comedian Tim Brooke-Taylor

Born in Buxton, the comedian who played the ‘posh bloke’ in the 70s cult show ‘The Goodies’ and was a stalwart of the BBC Radio 4 panel show ‘I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue’ has died at the age of 79 of Coronavirus.

In a statement from his agent, JFL Agency said: “It is with great sadness that we announce Tim’s death early today from COVID-19.

“Joining Footlights in 1960 took him to providing a huge variety of splendid entertainment - television, radio, theatre, film, books, DVDs, CDs, quizzes, etc. - all of which he undertook with energy and a great sense of fun.

“We will remember him for so much but must just mention The Goodies and I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue. He had, of course, many fans whom he always treated cheerfully even after long and exhausting rehearsals and recordings.

“He was an exceptional client and a pleasure to represent. We’re grateful that we have so much of his work to view, read and listen to. In all the time with us and in all his showbiz work, he has been supported by Christine, his wife.”

Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4’s Commissioning Editor for Comedy, added: “Tim Brooke-Taylor had a long and distinguished career in comedy. He was charming, quick witted and a hugely skilful comic. “He was much loved both by our listeners and by his colleagues, and he will be sorely missed by all at Radio 4.”

In a statement Graeme Garden, said: “I am terribly saddened by the loss of a dear colleague and close friend of over 50 years. Tim and I met at Cambridge University in the early 1960s and have enjoyed working together almost constantly from that time onwards, on radio, stage, and TV. He was a funny, sociable, generous man who was a delight to work with.

Bill Oddie said on Twitter: “Fifty years and he only got cross with me once... well maybe twice... no quite a lot actually! No one could wear silly costumes or do dangerous stunts like Tim. I know it hurt cos he used to cry a lot. Sorry Timbo. A true visual comic and a great friend x

“Audiences found him not only hilarious but also adorable. His loss at this dreadful time is particularly hard to bear, and my thoughts are with Christine, Ben, Edward and their families.”

Jack Dee said: “It has come as devastating news to hear that Tim has succumbed to this dreadful virus - especially when we all thought he was recovering.

“Tim was a delightful man and never anything but great company. It has always been one of the great joys of my career to work with someone who was part of the comedy landscape of my childhood. I can’t bear the thought of introducing I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue without being able to say: 'And on my right, Tim Brooke-Taylor…'

“Tim brought a unique quality to Clue. He was a proper team player, very generous as a performer, never egotistical and always more than delighted to set himself up as the butt of the joke.

For me, his great comedy gift was playing the injured innocent and he did it with brilliance and a characteristic lightness of touch. It’s always heartbreaking to lose a loved one, but these times have created the cruellest of circumstances for that to happen in and my thoughts are with his wife Christine and all his family.”

Stephen Fry said: “Just heard the devastating news of the death of Tim Brooke-Taylor. A hero for as long as I can remember, and –on a few golden occasions – a colleague and collaborator on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. Gentle, kind, funny, wise, warm, but piercingly witty when he chose to be. So sad.”

Sandi Toksvig added: “Tim Brooke-Taylor was a man I was privileged to call my friend. Generous and kind. Sitting beside him while he made us all laugh was an honour. He will be much missed.”

David Mitchell said: “This is terribly sad news. He was a wonderful comedian and a really lovely man and I feel honoured to have known and worked with him. The world has been robbed - he had years more joy to give.”

Rob Brydon added: “So sad to hear that the great Tim Brooke Taylor has died. A wonderful man, so many happy times sat next to him on I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. Here we are with Barry, Colin and Graeme at a celebration of the show in January. He was on great form. My thoughts are with his family.

David Walliams posted: “I was obsessed with ‘The Goodies’ as a child, the first comedy show I really loved. I queued up to get the Goodies’ autographs as a grown-up, and got to meet Tim Brooke-Taylor more recently at a party. I was in total awe, but he was so kind & generous. It is so sad he is gone.”