Rik Mayall 1958-2014

British comedian and actor Rik Mayall has died aged 56.

He played the obnoxious, poetry-writing anarchist Rick in The Young Ones alongside his friend Adrian Edmondson. The duo later went on to star in the sitcom Bottom.
A pioneer of the 1980s alternative comedy scene, Mayall also appeared in Blackadder and The New Statesman.

His manager Roger Davidson said: "It is a terrible shock. All we know at this stage is that Rik died at home. 

"He touched many lives, and always for the better." 

Edmondson added: "There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing. 

They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him. 

"And now he's died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard."