Friday Night Dinner creator calls Paul Ritter ‘the greatest actor I ever worked with’ in moving tribute as Martin Goodman star dies aged 54

The creator of Friday Night Dinner has paid tribute to Paul Ritter, praising the star as ‘the greatest actor I ever worked with’.

Paul died aged 54 from a brain tumour, with stars from his impressive list of TV shows and films all sharing their heartbreak over the sudden news.

One of Paul’s most celebrated roles came in the Channel 4 comedy Friday Night Dinner, where he stared as father Martin Goodman for six seasons from 2011 to 2020.

Robert Popper, who created Friday Night Dinner, said he was ‘devastated’ by Paul’s death.

‘Devastated at this terribly sad news,’ he tweeted. ‘Paul was a lovely, wonderful human being. Kind, funny, super caring and the greatest actor I ever worked with x.’

As his followers passed on their condolences, Robert added: ‘Thank you to everyone for sending messages about Paul Ritter. Much appreciated. He was a man who touched so many hearts. My thoughts go out to his lovely family.’

Green Wing star Stephen Mangan, who studied with Paul before they both went on to find fame, said he was ‘struggling’ to find a way to talk about the actor’s death.

‘My friend since we were students together. So much talent and it shone from him even as a teenager. I was so lucky to know him and lucky too to work with him many times over the years. Wonderful man. RIP,’ he tweeted.

Paul’s rep confirmed he died on Monday night after battling a brain tumour.

A statement shared with Metro.co.uk read: ‘It is with great sadness we can confirm that Paul Ritter passed away last night. He died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side. He was 54 and had been suffering from a brain tumour.

‘Paul was an exceptionally talented actor playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill.

‘He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him greatly.’

Friday Night Dinner is available to stream on All 4.