'It's just so tragic'

Tributes paid to Gerard Kelly

Tributes have been paid to Scottish comedy star Gerard Kelly after he died at the age of 51.

The actor and comedian – whose credits include Extras and Rab C Nesbitt – died in a London hospital on Thursday night after suffering a brain aneurysm earlier in the week.

Billy Connolly said: ‘He was a lovely guy - so full of life. He had a wonderful energy about him and every time we met up he had me roaring with laughter. It is all just so tragic.’

Ricky Gervais wrote on his blog: ‘You may have heard Gerard Kelly, the actor who played Bunny, has died at 51. He was a lovely bloke and an excellent actor. RIP.’

Extras co-star Ashley Jensen – who also worked with Kelly on the BBC comedy No Holds Bard - added: ‘What a sad loss. Gerard was a genuinely funny man with a wonderful wit and tremendous energy.'

While Elaine C Smith, who starred with him in panto, said: 'He was a warm, kind, funny human being. One of my fondest memories is of me dressed as a fairy and Gerard as Wishy Washy as we stood discussing the situation in Palestine.'

Rab C Nesbitt star Gregor Fisher added: 'He was a dear, sweet and funny man, and I shall miss him very much. Too soon as far as I'm concerned. Too, too soon'

Glasgow-born Gerard moved to London in 1980 to follow his acting dream, and land a small part in The Young Ones two years later.

Kelly died in intensive care at London’s West Middlesex University Hospital on Thursday evening after collapsing at his home.

A statement issued by his family said: ‘Gerard will be deeply missed by his friends and family and indeed his huge fan base across his beloved Scotland and further afield.

‘He was a private and gentle man and his family and friends would appreciate privacy during this sad and difficult time.’

Details of a memorial service are expected to be announced later.

Here he is in Extras: