Will Mellor leads tributes as co-star Paul Ritter dies aged 54: ‘My heart goes out to his family’

Will Mellor has led tributes to Paul Ritter as the actor died, aged 54.

The star – most recently known for his stint as Martin Goodman in Friday Night Dinner – died ‘peacefully at home’, his agent confirmed.

Following the news of his death, stars flooded social media with tributes, saying their final goodbye to the comedy legend.

Will, who appeared alongside the late star in No Offense, took to Twitter to offer his condolences, penning: ‘I’m so shocked to hear about Paul Ritter! I can’t believe it!

‘Great man and fantastic actor, My heart goes out to his family, Such a sad day. RIP Paul. X #RIP #heartbreaking.’

Nicola Coughlan posted: ‘So, so sad to hear this. I was such a fan of Paul Ritter he was absolutely magic, RIP.’

Rob Delaney tweeted: ‘Knocked it out of the PARK in Chernobyl. Watching it I consciously thought, “Oh, we have a new movie star.”

‘Between that & how funny he was in Friday Night Dinner… just unreal talent. Rest in peace, Paul Ritter.’

Mark Gatiss replied: ‘Paul Ritter. What an actor. What a presence. So shocked and saddened by this awful news. RIP.’

Vera’s Kenny Doughty wrote: ‘Shocked & upset to hear about the passing of Paul Ritter. Wonderful actor who I had the privilege of sharing the stage with.

‘Gone too soon. Will be dearly missed. Thoughts & prayers to family. X’

Russell Tovey recalled: ‘Paul Ritter, one of the nicest and best actors you’ll ever meet, I had the absolute pleasure of a first play at 19 with him, he called me a “Plonker” when I left him hanging on stage once at a missed entrance cue – I’ve never forgotten it and never did it again – RIP mate x.’

Black Mirror star Michael Smiley penned: ‘Really sad news, a hero in our house, a brilliant actor, just flawless performances.

‘Friday Night Dinner will never be the same. RIP Paul Ritter. Sending prayers and thoughts to his loved ones.’

Many fans on social media also recalled his famous ‘s**t on it’ catchphrase.

Paul died at his home on Monday night, surrounded by his loved ones.

A statement shared with Metro.co.uk confirmed the news, which 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.’

Paul was best known for playing family patriarch Martin Goodman in Friday Night Dinner, alongside Tamsin Greig, Simon Bird and Tom Rosenthal.

The show first aired in 2011, with its sixth series airing last year.

The cast recently filmed a retrospective special to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the comedy – which is due to air later this year.

Aside from the Channel 4 show, he had a string of other TV credits to his name, starring in BBC drama The Game, Cold Feet, Chernobyl and Vera.

He also lit up the big screen, appearing in James Bond flick Quantum of Solace, and Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince, in 2009, as Eldred Worple, a wizard introduced to Harry at Professor Slughorn’s Christmas party.

Paul is survived by his wife Polly and his children Frank and Noah.

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