Norwich theatres have joined comedians in paying tribute to Irish stand-up star Sean Hughes who has died aged 51.
The comedian and actor - best known for being a panellist on BBC Two panel show Never Mind The Buzzcocks and starring in his own sitcom Sean's Show in the early 1990s - visited Norwich theatres many times and is remembered as being a true professional and a true gentleman.
Caroline Richardson, director of Norwich Playhouse, said: 'He was a lovely man, a very gentle man and a gentleman too.
'He came to us for six performances between January 2007 and September 2015. He always sold really well and his audiences loved him. He did not have any support, he just came to us and was here and carried the evening.'
Mr Hughes also performed at Norwich Theatre Royal in March 1994, February 1996 and October 1997.
John Bultitude, from Norwich Theatre Royal, said: 'We are very sorry to hear of Sean's death and send our condolences to his friends and family. He was an incredibly talented comedian whose perceptive humour and charming demeanour made him an absolute pleasure to work with on-stage and off.'
Mr Hughes also visited Norwich in the early 1990s to film an episode of his six-part Sean's Shorts series for BBC Two. Within the show he spent the night with the puppets at Norwich Puppet Theatre as well as visited the church of St Julian, Norwich Market, Elm Hill and a cinema.
On Twitter today Jason Manford led the tributes to Mr Hughes after his management confirmed his death.
Mr Manford said: 'Very sad to hear about Sean Hughes. A brilliant comic and a lovely bloke. RIP.'
Stand-up comic Al Murray wrote: 'Terribly sad news about Sean Hughes.'
Comedian Richard Herring said: 'Sean Hughes. What a punch in the soul that is.'
Gail Porter tweeted: 'So so sad to hear about Sean Hughes. Worked with him many times and he was so incredibly funny.'
Comedian Jack Dee tweeted: 'Very sad to hear about Sean Hughes. Started on the circuit with him back in the day. RIP.'
Comedian Ross Noble tweeted: 'Just awful news about Sean Hughes.he was very nice to me when I was starting out in comedy, a sad loss.'
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