He was best-known for the TV shows The Young Ones and Bottom, both of which he starred in alongside long-time collaborator Adrian Edmondson.

Mayall, who died at home in London, was also in several other programmes including The New Statesman - as conniving MP Alan B'Stard, The Comic Strip Presents and Blackadder, where he played Squadron Commander Lord Flasheart.

And he appeared on the big screen in films including Drop Dead Fred.