The Goodies star Tim Brooke-Taylor has died aged 79 after contracting coronavirus.

The actor, best known as part of the 1970s comic trio, died this morning.

A statement from Brooke-Taylor's agent said: "It is with great sadness that we announce Tim's death early today from Covid-19.

"Joining Footlights in 1960 took him to providing a huge variety of splendid entertainment - television, radio, theatre, film, books, DVDs, CDs, quizzes, etc. - all of which he undertook with energy and a great sense of fun.

"We will remember him for so much but must just mention The Goodies and I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue. He had, of course, many fans whom he always treated cheerfully even after long and exhausting rehearsals and recordings.

"He was an exceptional client and a pleasure to represent. We're grateful that we have so much of his work to view, read and listen to.

"In all the time with us and in all his showbiz work, he has been supported by Christine, his wife."

Sioned Wiliam, Radio 4's commissioning editor for comedy, added: "Tim Brooke-Taylor had a long and distinguished career in comedy.

"He was charming, quick witted and a hugely skilful comic.

"He was much loved both by our listeners and by his colleagues, and he will be sorely missed by all at Radio 4."

Brooke-Taylor began his acting career at Cambridge University where he was president of the famed Footlights performing arts club.

He toured internationally with the Footlights revue in 1964 before finding wider recognition for his work on BBC Radio with I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again.

Brooke-Taylor moved into TV with At Last The 1948 Show, where he starred alongside John Cleese and Graham Chapman.

But it was as one of The Goodies, alongside Graeme Garden and Bill Oddie, that he found international fame, earning household name status in Australia and New Zealand and attracting millions of viewers in its heyday.

He was a regular panellist on BBC Radio 4's I'm Sorry I Haven't A Clue for over 40 years.