Tommy Cannon led the tributes after his best friend Bobby Ball died aged 76.
Bobby - who was one half of the comedy double act Cannon & Ball - died after testing positive with coronavirus.
His comedy partner Tommy Cannon shared with the world he was "devastated" at the news of his friend's death on Thursday.
In tribute, he wrote: "Rock on, my good friend, I can't believe this, I'm devastated."
They hosted ITV's The Cannon and Ball show together for nine years between 1979 and 1988.
Their friendship flourished over more than 40 years.
Later, he thanked fans for all their support as he paid tribute to his late comedy partner again on Twitter.
He added: "I’m absolutely devastated, I’ve lost my partner, my best friend and the funniest man I know. Thank you for your messages, prayers and love."
Also paying loving tribute, Bobby's heartbroken wife Yvonne gushed over her late husband.
She said: "I will always miss him, he was so joyful, full of fun and mischievous."
Tributes were flooding social media from all walks of showbiz for the late comedian who had touched many hearts.
Antony Costa shared some kind words about his late pal Bobby after they starred in I'm A Celebrity... Get Me Out Of Here together in 2005.
He wrote: "Just heard the news about my friend and fellow I’m a celebrity contestant Bobby ball ...I’m devastated by the news.
"Thoughts go out to the Yvonne and the family R.I.P #bobbyball xx so so sad x."
He added: "Thoughts are with @TheTommyCannon too xxx."
Fellow comedian Jason Manford shared his heartache over Bobby's death.
He wrote: "So heartbroken to read about the passing of comedy legend Bobby Ball.
"Such a hilarious man. The comedy community is a poorer place without him. #RockOn #RIPBobbyBall."
Les Dennis hailed Bobby as a "true entertainment with real funny bones" in a glowing tribute on Twitter.
He wrote: "Just heard the sad news that the wonderful Bobby Ball has died.
"He was a true entertainer with real funny bones.
"Thoughts with Tommy,Yvonne and his family at this sad time. RIP Bobby."
X Factor star Joe McElderry penned: "Very sad to hear the passing of Bobby Ball! I got to spend time working with him a couple of years back!
"And we had the best time! Love and thoughts to his family and @TheTommyCannon."
Ashley Blaker added: "What an immense treat it was to work with Bobby Ball and get him and Tommy on Radio 4. Proper legends. RIP Bobby and 'Rock on Tommy'."
Peep Show star Neil Fitzmaurice tweeted: "I'm on my way to The Sharpe Project. A place we filmed Mount Pleasant at for 8 years.
"A place we shared love and laughter with Bobby Ball! I've just heard he's gone! Heartbroken doesn't cover it!
"A wonderful, funny, kind extremely talented gentleman. God Bless you Bobby! X".
BBC radio presenter Tony Blackburn tweeted: "So sorry to hear that Bobby Ball has passed away.
"He was a very funny man and gave us some good comedy over the years. R.I.P. thanks for the laughs".
Bobby had many celebrity pals in the showbiz world after he became the one of the UK's greatest comedy stars.
The actor died at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on Wednesday evening.
News of his death was confirmed by Bobby and Tommy's management on Thursday morning.
A statement from Bobby and Tommy's management said: "It is with great personal sadness that on behalf of Yvonne Ball, and the family, and Tommy Cannon, I announce that Bobby Ball passed away at Blackpool Victoria Hospital on the 28th October 2020 approximately 21:30.
"Bobby had been taken to the hospital for tests as he started with breathing problems. At first it was thought to be a chest infection but a test proved positive for Covid-19.
"His wife Yvonne said the hospital and staff could not have been more wonderful, as they were outstanding in their care of duty and they did everything possible for him and she cannot praise them enough.
"She said that the family and Tommy would like to express their sincere thanks to the many, many people who have been fans of Bobby and they know that they will all share in part the great loss and total sadness that Yvonne, the family and Tommy all feel.
"Yvonne added that their need for privacy at this time has to be a priority. No further announcements or statements will be made."