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Jason Manford shares final message to Sean Lock before his tragic death aged 58

Watch: 8 Out Of 10 Cats comedian Sean Lock dies aged 58

Jason Manford has shared his final text message to the late Sean Lock following news of his death aged 58.

The 8 Out Of 10 Cats comedian’s death was announced on Wednesday following Lock’s battle with cancer.

Soon after the announcement comedians and actors began paying tribute to Lock, often commenting on his kindness to upcoming acts and killer sense of humour.

Joining the collective of mourning stars, Manford wrote on Facebook: “I’m absolutely gutted about this. So heartbroken for his wife and children. One of the funniest men I’ve ever worked with and I used to adore occasionally making him laugh on my first proper telly job, 8 Out of 10 Cats.

Read more: Jimmy Carr leads flood of tributes to ‘brilliant and lovely’ Sean Lock after tragic death

Sean Lock, backstage at the C4 Comedy Gala, in aid of Great Ormond Street Hospital, at the O2 Arena.PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday, March 31, 2010. See PA story  . Picture credit should read: Ian Nicholson/PA Wire
Sean Lock, who died today aged 58 (PA)

“I texted him [a] couple of weeks ago and I’m now so glad I did. If you’ve a friend who’ve you not spoken to for a while, drop them a message and check-in.

“It could be the last time or they could just need to hear from you. RIP Sean.”

Alongside a photograph of Manford and Lock on the Hammersmith Apollo stage, Manford shared a screengrab of his final message.

It read: "Hi Sean, hope you and your family are doing okay. Did Countdown last week and missed having you there.

"I often think back to my days on Cats with you & how much I appreciated working with you, the buzz I'd get on the rare occasion something I said would make you laugh!.

"Anyway, just wanted to check in and wish you and your family all the best. Lots of love and hopefully see you soon. Jason."

File photo dated 03/06/01 of comedian Sean Lock performing on stage during the 'We Know Where You Live. Live!' event to mark the 40th anniversary of Amnesty International at Wembley Arena. Sean Lock, best known for panel shows 8 Out Of 10 Cats and 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown, as well as sitcom 15 Storeys High, has died from cancer at the age of 58. Issue date: Wednesday August 18, 2021.
Sean Lock performing on stage at Wembley Arena (PA)

Read more: Jason Manford says his 'under-privileged childhood' motivates him to keep kids grounded

Lock’s death was confirmed earlier today by his management team and production company.

Off The Kerb Productions said in a statement: "It is with great sadness that we have to announce the death of Sean Lock.

"He died at home from cancer, surrounded by his family. Sean was one of Britain's finest comedians, his boundless creativity, lightning wit and the absurdist brilliance of his work, marked him out as a unique voice in British comedy.

"Sean was also a cherished husband and father to three children. Sean will be sorely missed by all that knew him."

<p>8 OUT OF 10 CATS DOES COUNTDOWN: Jimmy Carr, Jon Richardson and Sean Locke are all back for a New Year special of the word and number quiz. </p>
Jimmy Carr, Jon Richardson and Sean Lock on 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (Channel 4)

Jon Richardson, his longtime sparring partner and opponent on 8 Out Of 10 Cats, was among the first to share his condolences, and wrote in tribute: “I idolised Sean as a comic long before I became a comedian myself and ten years working alongside him didn’t diminish that in the least. An incredible comic brain and a truly unique voice.

“I’m devastated for his family today and sad for comedy that we have lost one of the very best.

“Undisputed, undefeated, carrot in a box champion. I will miss him.”

Watch: The celebrities we lost in 2020