Comedian Sean Hughes dies aged 51

Comedian Sean Hughes had died at the age of 51. 

The comedian, who was a team captain on Never Mind the Buzzcocks on BBC Two as well as a beloved fixture on the stand-up circuit, died this morning in hospital. 

Hughes came to prominence in 1990 when his show, A One Night Stand with Sean Hughes, won the prestigious Perrier Comedy Award. He would go to undertake countless stand-up tours as well as acting roles in Coronation Street, The Commitments and Casualty. 

Tributes to Hughes have already been paid from the likes of Richard Herring, Jack Dee and Irwine Welsh, a selection of the tributes are below:

Sean Hughes. What a punch in the soul that is.

— Richard K Herring (@Herring1967) October 16, 2017

So sad. RIP Sean Hughes - a wonderfully silly, anarchic & hilarious comic. I always enjoyed the mad tangents our conversations would take.

— Aisling Bea (@WeeMissBea) October 16, 2017

Sad to hear about Sean Hughes. Was lucky to enjoy his company on a few occasions over the years. A witty, gracious, kind and gentle soul.

— Irvine Welsh (@IrvineWelsh) October 16, 2017

We weren't besties but I had a few long lunches & meandering phone chats with Sean Hughes. He was soft, warm company. I'll miss him.

— Joe Lycett (@joelycett) October 16, 2017

Very upset to hear about the death of Sean Hughes at just 51. Sending our best to his friends and family. pic.twitter.com/6gEGcRZGv0

— BBC Comedy (@bbccomedy) October 16, 2017

Terribly sad news about Sean Hughes.

— Al Murray (@almurray) October 16, 2017

Very sad to hear about Sean Hughes. Started on the circuit with him back in the day. RIP.

— Jack Dee (@TheRealJackDee) October 16, 2017