Entertainer Ronnie Corbett dies aged 85

Actor and comedian Ronnie Corbett has died at the age of 85.

A statement from his publicist said: "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."

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.