Sean Lock death – Bill Bailey says ‘fearless’ comedian battled lung cancer in secret as star ‘leaves £3M to family’
"Fearless" Sean Lock's cause of death was lung cancer, his friend Bill Bailey revealed, as it emerged the star left his fortune to his family.
The Eight Out of 10 cats legend passed away earlier this week surrounded by family, sparking tributes from across the world of comedy.
Close friend Bill Bailey told : "He had been diagnosed with lung cancer a few years ago and it was at the time quite a blow, particularly when it was quite advanced.
'We've tried to make the most of the last few years. We spent a lot of time together and went on trips together. And he's continued to work."
Bailey also paid tribute to Lock's "strength" saying: "He was fearless and determined and that's what gave them strength."
Read our Sean Lock blog below for the latest updates on his death...
COMEDY PEDIGREE
Lock was born in Woking, Surrey, and left school in the 1980s before taking jobs as a builder.
He began his career in comedy in 1993 when he starred alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.
Lock also edited the script for the 1998 BBC Two series, Is It Bill Bailey? and had his own show on BBC Radio 4 called 15 Minutes Of Misery.
This was later expanded into TV series 15 Storeys High, where Lock played a cynical character called Vince who lived in a tower block with Benedict Wong as his flatmate.
SKIN CANCER SCARE
Sean Lock was previously diagnosed with skin cancer in 1990 while he worked as a labourer on a building site.
He went on to make a full recovery and has since worked with others to help raise awareness of the disease.
8 OUT OF 10 CATS STAR JIMMY CARR DESCRIBES TODAY'S NEWS AS 'BRUTAL'
The star was best known for his deadpan humour as he appeared on panel shows 8 Out Of 10 Cats and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
Lock appeared on Jimmy Carr's Big Fat Quiz of the Year alongside James Corden in 2006.
Jimmy Carr said in his tribute: "Brutal news about Sean Lock today.
I loved him."I’m watching clips of him right now - laughing & crying. I’ll miss him so much."
PIERS MORGAN PAYS TRIBUTE
JASON MANFORD 'GLAD' TO HAVE SENT LAST MESSAGE
JASON MANFORD REVEALS HEARTBREAKING FINAL MESSAGE HE SENT TO SEAN
JASON Manford has revealed the heartbreaking text he sent to comedian Sean Lock days before his tragic death from cancer.
It was revealed today that the 8 Out Of 10 Cats star has died aged 58 after a lengthy battle with the disease.
Jason, 40, who was a team captain on the show with Sean told fans on Twitter shared his final message to the comic and actor.
It read: "Hi Sean, hope you and your family are doing okay. Did Countdown last week and missed having you there.
"I often think back to my days on Cats with you & how much I appreciated working with you, the buzz I'd get on the rare occasion something I said would make you laugh! 😂.
"Anyway, just wanted to check in and wish you and your family all the best. Love of love and hopefully see you soon. Jason."
FINAL PUBLIC APPEARANCE
Lock's final public appearance was in December when he appeared in a video for charity Edible London.
Wearing a black turtle-neck jumper, Sean looked thinner than he has in previous years.
MACK LEADS TRIBUTES
Comedian Lee Mack, who was a close friend, paid tribute saying: “I’ve known this day was coming for some time, but it’s no less heart-breaking.
“A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much.”
STATEMENT FROM AGENT
His agent confirmed today the dad-of-three had passed away from cancer surrounded by his family.
A statement from Off The Kerb Productions said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock.
"He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family.
"Sean was one of Britain's finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy.
"Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children.
"Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
"We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children is respected at this difficult time."
HIS AGENT CONFIRMED THE SAD NEWS TODAY
CHANNEL 4 STATEMENT
Channel 4 bosses - who worked with Sean for more than 20 years - also paid tribute to the comic.
A statement read: "Incredibly sad to learn of the loss of one of our greatest comedians, Sean Lock.
"A much loved part of the C4 family he’s played a huge role on the channel for over 2 decades, and we’ll miss him. Our thoughts are with his family and friends."
8 OUT OF 10 CATS FORMER TEAM CAPTAIN JON RICHARDSON PAYS TRIBUTE
Jon Richardson, Sean's 8 Out Of 10 Cats fellow team captain, said: "I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didn’t diminish that in the least.
"An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice."
WHAT TYPE OF CANCER DID HE HAVE?
It was revealed that Sean had died following a battle with cancer.
He revealed he had skin cancer previously.
WHO WAS SEAN LOCK?
Born in Woking, Surrey on April 22, 1963 the comedy star left school in the early 1980s and began working on building sites before switching to stand-up comedy.
The TV star, known for his surreal content and deadpan style, was a team captain on Jimmy Carr's Channel 4 comedy panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats and spin-off 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
He also wrote and starred in the popular BBC sitcom 15 Storeys High.
Sean also appeared on other panel shows including Have I Got News for You, QI, and They Think It's All Over.
CHELSEA PAY TRIBUTE TO THE BLUES FAN
SEAN PICTURED ON 8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN
LEAVES BEHIND A LOVING FAMILY
Lock is married to Anoushka Nara Giltsoff and the pair have two daughters born in 2004 and 2006 and a son born in 2009 together.
SEAN LOCK HAS DIED FROM CANCER
Comedian Sean Lock has tragically died from cancer aged 58.
The star was well-known for appearing on 8 Of 10 Cats and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown.
RICKY GERVAIS PAYS TRIBUTE TO COMEDIAN
KIND WORDS
His agent continued "Sean was one of Britain's finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy.
"Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children.
"Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him.
"We kindly request that the privacy of his family and children is respected at this difficult time."
AGENT'S TRIBUTE
Sean's agent confirmed today the dad-of-three had passed away from cancer surrounded by his family.
A statement from Off The Kerb Productions said: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock.
"He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family.
MACK LEADS TRIBUTES
Comedian Lee Mack, who was a close friend, paid tribute saying: "I've known this day was coming for some time, but it's no less heart-breaking.
"A true original both in comedy and life. I will miss him so much."
FAMOUS FACE
Lock was also praised for his comedy and won the gong for best live stand-up at the British Comedy Awards in 2000.
In 2005, the comic became a team captain on panel show 8 Out Of 10 Cats and went on to appear for 18 series.
Guests on the show included Alan Davies, Johnny Vaughan, David Mitchell, Bill Bailey, Johnny Vegas and Nick Hancock.
He also made appearances on panel shows including Have I Got News for You, QI, and They Think It's All Over
COMEDY PEDIGREE
Lock was born in Woking, Surrey, and left school in the 1980s before taking jobs as a builder.
He began his career in comedy in 1993 when he starred alongside Rob Newman and David Baddiel on their signature TV show Newman And Baddiel In Pieces.
Lock also edited the script for the 1998 BBC Two series, Is It Bill Bailey? and had his own show on BBC Radio 4 called 15 Minutes Of Misery.
This was later expanded into TV series 15 Storeys High, where Lock played a cynical character called Vince who lived in a tower block with Benedict Wong as his flatmate.
SKIN CANCER SCARE
Sean Lock was previously diagnosed with skin cancer in 1990 while he worked as a labourer on a building site.
He went on to make a full recovery and has since worked with others to help raise awareness of the disease.