The death of legendary comedian Ronnie Corbett today aged 85 has led to a wealth of tributes from the world of entertainment.

A statement from his Ronnie's publicist said this morning : "Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation's best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.

"They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."

Ricky Gervais wrote on Twitter: "RIP the lovely, funny legend Ronnie Corbett. It was an absolute honour & joy to have known him."

Omid Djalili said: "And now Ronnie Corbett. What an absolutely delightful man. Sad sad news RIP."

Jack Whitehall tweeted: "RIP Ronnie Corbett, what a brilliant and funny man he was."

Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn tweeted: "Ronnie Corbett was a giant of British entertainment who was loved by millions. He will be dearly missed. Our thoughts are with his family."

Comedian David Walliams said: "Goodbye my friend and comedy idol #RonnieCorbett Thank you for all the laughs. It was the greatest honour to know and work with you."

Lord Sugar tweeted: "Sad news about Ronnie Corbett, very funny man R.I.P."

Entertainer Darren Day said on Twitter: "RIP Ronnie Corbett. True legend. He gave me a pair of his glasses to use for a sketch I was doing on the Royal Variety. Love to his family x"

Born Ronald Balfour Corbett in Edinburgh, he and Ronnie Barker rose to fame in the popular BBC comedy sketch show The Two Ronnies. Corbett also had a starring role in David Frost's The Frost Report.

The Two Ronnies is still hailed as one of the most popular TV programmes of the late 20th century.

Corbett recently appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show When The Dog Dies, which saw him reunited with the writers of his hit sitcom Sorry!

Corbett began his acting career at the age of 15, when he starred in a pantomime at his local church youth club.

The versatile comedian also hosted the BBC One game show Small Talk for two years from 1994-96.

Corbett and his wife, Anne Hart, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year.

The much-loved actor was awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours for his services to charity and the entertainment industry.

His wife later revealed that, during a celebration to mark the achievement, he had collapsed in a restaurant and was rushed to hospital.

Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said: "Ronnie Corbett was a wonderful comic and entertainer. A man of great charm and warmth who brought laughter and joy to millions. He was quite simply one of the true greats of British comedy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

His Two Ronnies co-star Barker died in 2005.

The pair's partnership dated back to a fortuitous meeting with David Frost, who invited Corbett to appear in The Frost Report.

Following his success alongside Frost, Barker and John Cleese in The Frost Report, Corbett went on to enjoy a string of other TV successes including Corbett's Follies and No, That's Me Over Here.

Some of Ronnie Corbett's best jokes: "French wine growers fear that this year's vintage may be entirely spoiled due to the grape treaders' sit-in."

"A cement mixer collided with a prison van on the Kingston by-pass. Motorists are asked to be on the look-out for 16 hardened criminals."

"We will be talking to an out of work contortionist who says he can no longer make ends meet."

"All those who believe in psychokinesis raise my right hand."

"This is a message for seven honeymoon couples in a hotel in Peebles: Breakfast was served three days ago."