Comedian and actor Rik Mayall dies

Comedian and actor Rik Mayall died this morning, a spokesman for his management company, Brunskill Management, said today.

The star, who shot to fame playing Rick in The Young Ones, was 56 and his career included appearances in shows including Blackadder and Bottom. His film roles included the comedies Drop Dead Fred and Guest House Paradiso.

Rik, who has a home in Devon, was made an Honorary Graduate of the University of Exeter in 2008.