Tributes for Eric Sykes

Sir Bruce Forsyth and Stephen Fry have paid tribute to legendary TV comedy star Eric Sykes following his death on Wednesday.

Sykes passed away at the age of 89 after a short illness.

Following the announcement, stars spoke out to honour Sykes, with veteran TV entertainer Sir Bruce telling Sky News, "It's a very sad day for anyone who knew him, and it's also a very sad day for comedy because we have lost a comedy genius. (It's a) pity a lot of young people have never seen him in his prime... He was a very gentle person actually, Eric, but a very lovable person."

Writer/actor Fry took to Twitter.com to write, "Oh no! Eric Sykes gone? An adorable, brilliant, modest, hilarious, innovative and irreplaceable comic master. Farewell, dear, dear man", and comedian Julian Clary added, "RIP Eric Sykes."

Spandau Ballet star Martin Kemp wrote on his page on the microblogging site, "RIP Eric Sykes thank you for making me laugh so much when I was a kid!", '90s singers Right Said Fred added, "R.I.P. Eric Sykes, a very genuine man", and funnyman David Baddiel tweeted, "RIP the great Eric Sykes".