COMEDIAN Rik Mayall has passed away aged 56 it has been announced.
Mayall, born in Essex but who grew up in Droitwich, was best known for comedy creations Richie in Bottom and Rick in The Young Ones. He also appeared as Lord Flashheart in several episodes of Blackadder.
He was also responsible for creating Redditch investigative journalist Kevin Turvey and starred in the 1982 mockumentary Kevin Turvey – The Man Behind The Green Door in which he searches out scoops around the borough and is pictured surveying the ring road, in front of the Headless Cross water tower and on the pitch at the Valley Stadium.
Mayall was no stranger to Worcestershire having attended King’s School Worcester, performed at the Norbury Theatre and on one occasion toured the streets of Malvern as sleazy politician Alan B’stard, a character he played in The New Statesman.
He was also given an honorary degree at Worcester University in November, 2007.
Further details about Mayall’s death have yet to be released.
