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Measuring just 5'1", he used his diminutive height to break into show business, playing schoolboy roles in films.

He was spotted by David Frost whilst performing in cabaret, which led to his appearances in The Frost Report.

This resulted in a long standing partnership with Ronnie Barker and their huge mainstream success with The Two Ronnies: a mix of character comedy, incredible word play and good old fashioned musical numbers in drag.

He will forever be remembered for his solo contributions, sitting in an armchair, addressing the camera, enunciating clever, rambling monologues.

He also played Mummy's boy Timothy Lumsden in Sorry and appeared in the film Fierce Creatures.

The affection with which Corbett is held by later generations of comics is evinced by his latter-day work with Ben Elton, Ricky Gervais, Peter Kay and Little Britain.