Rik Mayall Dies Aged 56: Shock at Death of Funnyman

British comedian and actor Rik Mayall has died suddenly aged 56.

The circumstances surrounding his death are as yet unknown.

The beloved actor is best known for appearing in sitcoms, The Young Ones, Blackadder,the New Statesman and Bottom.

He leaves a wife and three children.

He gained famed as the obnoxious, poetry-writing anarchist Rick in cult comedy The Young Ones alongside his friend, Adrian Edmonson.

The duo later went on to star in Bottom. He also starred in The New Statesman and made numerous appearances in comedy classic Blackadder.

He was left seriously ill after a quad bike accident in 1998 which left him in a coma for several days.

A statement from Mayall's management, Brunskill, said: "We are deeply saddened to announce the death of Rik Mayall who passed away this morning.

"We will be issuing a further statement in the fullness of time."

People have to taken to Twitter to express their shock and sadness at his sudden death.

Rik Mayall. The only man who could steal Blackadder scenes from under the noses of one of the best comedy casts of all time.
— Den Of Geek (@denofgeek) June 9, 2014

gutted to hear Rik Mayall has passed away, another comedy legend lost to the world, thoughts to his family <3
— BornToKillWhovians (@TheM0ffatMinion) June 9, 2014

RIP Rik Mayall. He was a major part of my childhood and teenage years.
— Eric Hoffbauer (@watchoutkeeper) June 9, 2014

Rik Mayall - who gave me perhaps more uncontrollable belly laughs than any other comedian of the last 30 years - RIP.
— Dan Levene (@BluesChronicle) June 9, 2014