MOCK the Week star Ed Byrne has been left devastated as his younger brother Paul dies aged 45.
The talented comedy director had faced a lenghty battle with Hodgkin’s lymphoma after being diagnosed at the start of the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013.
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At the time, comedians including John Bishop, Phill Jupitus and Jason Byrne fundraised in his honour.
Announcing the sad news today, comic Ed said: “Paul Byrne was a lot of things to a lot of people.
“A talented comedy director and stand up fixer, he was loved by so many.
“But to me, he was my pain-in-the-arse little brother and I will miss him so much. RIP Paul Byrne 1977-2022.”
Paul’s agents Individual Artist Management confirmed the news in a statement to Chortle.
It said: “After a short illness we are extremely saddened to confirm Paul Byrne has passed away at 45.
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“Paul was an exceptional comedy director and worked on breakthrough and seminal shows for some of the UK’s finest comedy talent. His knowledge and understanding of stand-up was unsurpassed as was his ability to help comedians discover their voice.
“The list of shows he worked on that were nominated or won awards both in Edinburgh and abroad was extensive, and spoke to his incredible gift at developing talent.”
It continued: “Away from the stage and behind the camera Paul was invaluable on the set of multiple TV shows. His calm and assured presence and creative input gave talent the confidence they needed to give the best possible performance.
“He was talent wrangler on ITV’s Show Me the Funny, as ever, helping the comics on their journey, He was intrinsic to the success of Dara O Briain‘s Go 8 Bit and he worked extensively on Jamali Maddix‘s Vice show Hate Thy Neighbour both as a writer and producer.
“Hate Thy Neighbour went on to win critical acclaim and be nominated for a Digital Broadcast Award.”
