Britain and indeed the world has lost one of the best men of comedy today.

The first thoughts that come to mind are those of a happy childhood, back when my parents were together and we had a bit of a TV night. Usually it was when mom was off competing in a horse or shetland pony event overnight and we’d crack open the snack cupboard, my sisters would probably be doing my dad’s hair to look like Richie and we’d watch as many episodes of Bottom as we could find. Back then of course it was a once-in-a-blue moon occasion to see Bottom being on TV, as video on demand was only a sparkle in some genius’ eye at the time.

Nowadays of course you can almost guarantee anything that had Rik Mayall in the credits is going to be an amazing laugh, even the extremely old stuff such as The Young Ones still stands tall above the rest of the comedy crowd.

Personally speaking I would imagine any sense of humour I have was inspired and possibly birthed by the Rik Mayall and Ade Edmonson combo growing up. Their slapstick routines combined with the witticisms of the comedy gods themselves combined to be one of the greatest escapes during my school days, nothing worked better than a massive comedy binge after a day of being bullied to keep myself pushing through.

Speaking raw and truthfully I can’t at this time believe he’s actually gone. I can’t even imagine we’ll never see anything else from him. I remember being constantly on the verge of tears for the few days back in 1998 when Rik had the quadbike accident and was in a coma. The bastard pulled through that one and I celebrated by watching every damn episode of The Young Ones and Bottom in a couple of sittings with a renewed joy and excitement for the series

There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing. They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. And now he’s died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard.

—Ade Edmondson

I can’t even imagine how that guy is taking it, they’ve been working together since the late 70s, a full 10 years longer than I’ve been on this planet.

To sum up, anything comedy related that starred Rik Mayall reminds me of my childhood back when everything was perfect through to the rough years at school through to the current day where Bottom is a regular feature when there’s a need for a good belly laugh.

Rest in peace, you complete and utter bastard.