Ronnie Corbett, one of Britain’s most successful comedians best known for "The Two Ronnies”, his double-act show with Ronnie Barker, has died aged 85, his publicist said yesterday. The show ran on the BBC from 1971 to 1987 and was one of the most popular light entertainment shows of the era. Its opening titles featured the two sets of spectacles worn by its stars and it regularly closed with one of the best-known catchphrases on British television: "It’s goodnight from me... and it’s goodnight from him.”
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.” Corbett’s other celebrated roles included in 1960s satirical comedy show "The Frost Report” and "Sorry!”, a 1980s sitcom about a fortysomething librarian who lives with his domineering mother and timid father. Prime Minister David Cameron and British comedians rushed to pay tribute to Corbett following his death.