Comedian Jeremy Hardy has passed away at the age of 57

Very sad news.

Comedian Jeremy Hardy has sadly passed away at the age of 57, following a brave battle with cancer.

In a statement, Mr Hardy's publicist Amanda Emery said:

"Friends and family of comedian Jeremy Hardy are immensely sad to announce that Jeremy died of cancer, early on Friday 1st February."

"He was with his wife and daughter as he died."

"He retained to the end the principles that guided his life; trying to make the world more humane, and to be wonderfully funny."

"He will be enormously missed by so many, who were inspired by him and who laughed with him. A fitting memorial will take place, details to be announced soon."

Tributes have been flooding in for Jeremy.

Pointless star Richard Osman wrote:

"I was very lucky to work with Jeremy Hardy early in my career."

"Every day was a masterclass, a privilege. He was so naturally and brilliantly funny, and a man who chose to use his comedy to change the world, rather than to fill stadia. A very sad day. #RIPJeremy"

Our thoughts are with Jeremy's family and friends.