Comedian and magician Phil Butler has died at the age of 51.

His agents Chris Davis Management  broke the news on Twitter, saying: ‘It is with huge sadness we have to announce the passing of our friend and client Phil Butler. Our thoughts are with his friends & family. The world is a poorer place without him.’

It is with huge sadness we have to announce the passing of our friend and client Phil Butler. Our thoughts are with his friends & family. The world is a poorer place without him. pic.twitter.com/A4z9GVBzWP

— Chris Davis Management (@ChrisDavisMgt) October 18, 2021

He had a long career on the circuit and was especially active in the corporate and cruise ship markets. He was the first comedian to perform for troops on the front line in Afghanistan, receiving the Operational Service Medal for his time there

As well as his own act, he played the comic lead in pantomime, and wrote for fellow performers including America’s Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin.

Comedians have been quick to pay tribute.

Paul Kerensa wrote: ‘I can't believe that the wonderful Phil Butler is no longer with us. Always fizzing with energy + joy + comedy comedy comedy. We saw him in panto - my kids howled with laughter. At every stand-up gig, he stole the show. Way too young, one of the best. Thanks for the laughs, Phil.’

Jason Manford said: 'Was so sorry to learn of the death of the always very funny & charming Phil Butler. Had many memorable gigs with him on the circuit.'

Shaparak Khorsandi said: 'Rest in peace Phil. Another one of us gone too soon. For 20 years I’ve looked at the running order when I’ve got to a club and gone "Oh fab! Phil Butler’s on".'

Stuart Goldsmith added: 'Oh my god just heard about the passing of lovely Phil Butler. Absolute shock. He was such a warm and incredibly funny guy. Oh man.'

Benidorm star Asa Eliott said: Utterly devastated at the news Phil Butler has passed away. One of the funniest people I’ve ever had the privilege of calling my friend.'

Impressionist and Britain’s Got Talent finalist Danny Posthill added: ‘So shocked and saddened at the death of Phil Butler. A great comedian who was such a laugh to be around. Sleep well my friend.’

Butler's girlfriend, make-up artist Hannah Brown, said she was ‘living a nightmare’ following the news, writing on Facebook: 'I really can’t express how much this gorgeous man meant to me. I am going to miss our laughs and silly jokes together and you calling me angel face, from the moment I met you, you instantly made my life so fulfilled and worth it, you made me the happiest and you still do and forever will.

‘I’m so sorry I wasn’t with you to say goodbye, everybody adores you and you are so loved by everyone. I’m always going to be thinking about what you are getting up to on your new adventure.... My baby, I’m missing you madly and just know that you will forever be in my heart and there is no body in the world like you, you are one of a kind and I love you forever. Goodnight baby.’

His cause of death has not yet been disclosed.

Here he is in action: