WCXX

Comedian and broadcaster Stephen Fry said: "Terrible news about my old friend Mel Smith, dead today from a heart attack. Mel lived a full life, but was kind, funny and wonderful to know."

Former spin doctor Alastair Campbell said: "So sorry to hear of Mel Smith's death. Known for comedy, but also great fan/ expert Jacques Brel. 'don't need to speak French to get it'

Film director Duncan Jones said: "For my American friends, you might remember Mel Smith as "the torturer" in Princess Bride. In UK he was loved for a whole bunch more."

John Lloyd, producer of Not the Nine O'clock News, told the BBC his friend had been ill for some time.

"Mel did an extraordinary thing - he taught us all how to make comedy natural. He was a brilliant theatre director... Not only was he a great actor, he was a wonderful editor."