Actor and comedian Ronnie Corbett has died at the age of 85.

A statement from his publicist said: " Ronnie Corbett CBE, one of the nation's best-loved entertainers, passed away this morning, surrounded by his loving family.

"They have asked that their privacy is respected at this very sad time."

Born Ronald Balfour Corbett in Edinburgh, he and Ronnie Barker, who lived near Chipping Norton, rose to fame in the popular BBC comedy sketch show The Two Ronnies.

Corbett also had a starring role in David Frost's The Frost Report.

The Two Ronnies is still hailed as one of the most popular TV programmes of the late 20th century.

Corbett recently appeared on the BBC Radio 4 show When The Dog Dies, which saw him reunited with the writers of his hit sitcom Sorry!

Corbett began his acting career at the age of 15, when he starred in a pantomime at his local church youth club.

The versatile comedian also hosted the BBC One game show Small Talk for two years from 1994-96.

Corbett and his wife, Anne Hart, celebrated their golden wedding anniversary last year.

The much-loved actor was awarded a CBE in the 2012 New Year Honours for his services to charity and the entertainment industry.

His wife later revealed that, during a celebration to mark the achievement, he had collapsed in a restaurant and was rushed to hospital.

Tony Hall, director-general of the BBC, said: "Ronnie Corbett was a wonderful comic and entertainer. A man of great charm and warmth who brought laughter and joy to millions. He was quite simply one of the true greats of British comedy. Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this difficult time."

His Two Ronnies co-star Barker died in 2005.

The pair's partnership dated back to a fortuitous meeting with David Frost, who invited Corbett to appear in The Frost Report.

Following his success alongside Frost, Barker and John Cleese in The Frost Report, Corbett went on to enjoy a string of other TV successes including Corbett's Follies and No, That's Me Over Here.

The small screen aside, Corbett's talents also extended to the theatre and big screen.

He starred in a host of theatre productions such as The Seven Year Itch and Out Of Order. A notable film appearance was his stint in John Cleese's 1996 follow-up to A Fish Called Wanda, Fierce Creatures.

He also had roles in big-name titles such as Top Of The Form, You're Only Young Once, Casino Royale, and No Sex Please, We're British.

Talking about Barker, with whom he made the catchphrase "It's goodnight from me ... and it's goodnight from him" famous, he is quoted as telling LBC Radio about the last time they spoke.

He said: "I took a call from Ron ... he said, 'You know I'm going'. That was the last time I spoke to him."