Ewen MacIntosh, best known for his role as Keith in The Office, has died. 

His management JustRight announced the news: "With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh. His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home. There will be a private cremation for family & close friends soon & a celebratory memorial later in the year."

Ricky Gervais was among those quick to pay tribute: "Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as 'Big Keith' from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP."

He was 50 years old and also appeared in Miranda and Little Britain among other shows. He worked with Gervais again in the Netflix series After Life. Reports say he had been ill for a while.

MacIntosh made an impact as dim scotch egg-eating accounts worker Keith Bishop, 'Big Keith', famously in this classic 'Appraisal' scene below

Picture: BBC