Tributes have been paid to Steve Brown, whose death has been announced. Brown was a well-known and widely respected figure in the comedy world, having worked with performers including Harry Hill, Steve Coogan and many more.
Brown's agent Vivienne Clore posted the news on X, formerly known at Twitter: "Devastated to share the news that our much loved client Steve Brown has passed away. Sod fibrosis lung disease."
Brown played band leader Glenn Ponder in the Alan Partridge series Knowing Me, Knowing You... and collaborated with Harry Hill on a number of projects including I Can't Sing, The X Factor Musical and more recently Tony [The Tony Blair Rock Opera]. He was also in Harry's backing band The Caterers, who also gigged in their own right.
He also worked with countless comedians including Lee Mack, Lenny Henry, Alan Carr and Ant and Dec.
He was previously married to comedian Jan Ravens. Comedian Alfie Brown is their son.
The entertainment world from comedy to beyond was quick to pay tribute.
Kate Robbins wrote: "Steve Brown was a one-off talent. So funny, witty and kind, too . He will be much missed"
Bill Dare wrote: "Sad and shocked to hear that lyricist, composer, incredibly talented Steve Brown has died. He wrote many of the songs during my tenure at Spitting Image. He was one of my fave people to have lunch with."
Mike Fenton Stevens wrote: "So sad to hear that the brilliant Steve Brown has died. He was a unique talent and a lovely friend. Honoured to have known him. Here is a link to the recording we made together. I think it gives a sense of the man? My thoughts are with his family xx pod.fo/e/10825f"
Nick Wilton wrote: "So sad to hear the news of the death of Steve Brown. I have so many happy memories of all the laughs we had together back in the 80’s working to make others laugh. Sending all my love and best thoughts to all the family x"
Darrell Maclaine posted: "Devastated to hear of the death of Steve Brown. He is best remembered through his career-length collaborations with Steve Coogan and Harry Hill, but he did a million things brilliantly and will be hugely missed by anybody that loves TV music and comedy."
Musician Barbara Dickson, who work with him onstage and appeared with Brown on Pointless Celebrities posted: "I am truly saddened to hear that the marvellous Steve Brown has died. He was a great songwriter and playwright. In Spend, Spend Spend, we all loved him. An inspiration to us in the theatre and a general good egg. RIP Stevie B. You and I won Pointless together, you clever boy!!!!"
