Monty Python star Terry Gilliam has paid tribute to the "brilliant" and "outrageously funny" Terry Jones following his death.
The actor, writer and comedian, from Colwyn Bay, died yesterday, aged 77, following a battle with dementia.
Tributes have flooded in for the comedy great who will be remembered for creating the Monty Python films and writing programmes including Do Not Adjust Your Set and The Frost Report.
His Monty Python co-stars have led the tributes, with Terry Gilliam saying he could "never hope for a better friend".
He tweeted: "HE WAS A VERY NAUGHTY BOY!!...and we miss you. Terry was someone totally consumed with life.. a brilliant, constantly questioning, iconoclastic, righteously argumentative and angry but outrageously funny and generous and kind human beingand very often a complete pain in the ass. One could never hope for a better friend. Goodbye, Tel."
John Cleese has also remembered Mr Jones.
He tweeted: "Just heard about Terry J It feels strange that a man of so many talents and such endless enthusiasm, should have faded so gently away... Of his many achievements, for me the greatest gift he gave us all was his direction of 'Life of Brian'. Perfection Two down, four to go"
Another member of the comedy group, Eric Idle, remembered his friend too.
He tweeted: "I loved him the moment I saw him on stage at the Edinburgh Festival in 1963. So many laughs,moments of total hilarity onstage and off we have all shared with him. It’s too sad if you knew him,but if you didn’t you will always smile at the many wonderfully funny moments he gave us"
David Walliams was also amongst those to pay tribute, saying: "Thank you Terry for a lifetime of laughter."
Mr Jones' family released a statement following his death describing him as a "kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man".
It said: "We are deeply saddened to have to announce the passing of beloved husband and father, Terry Jones.
"Terry passed away on the evening of 21 January 2020 at the age of 77 with his wife Anna Soderstrom by his side after a long, extremely brave but always good humoured battle with a rare form of dementia, FTD.
"Over the past few days his wife, children, extended family and many close friends have been constantly with Terry as he gently slipped away at his home in North London.
"We have all lost a kind, funny, warm, creative and truly loving man whose uncompromising individuality, relentless intellect and extraordinary humour has given pleasure to countless millions across six decades."
They added: "His work with Monty Python, his books, films, television programmes, poems and other work will live on forever, a fitting legacy to a true polymath.
"We, his wife Anna, children Bill, Sally, Siri and extended family would like to thank Terry's wonderful medical professionals and carers for making the past few years not only bearable but often joyful.
"We hope that this disease will one day be eradicated entirely.
"We ask that our privacy be respected at this sensitive time and give thanks that we lived in the presence of an extraordinarily talented, playful and happy man living a truly authentic life, in his words 'Lovingly frosted with glucose'."
Mr Jones made his mark behind as well as in front of the camera, directing some of the comedy troupe's most-loved works.
On-screen, the comedy genius had audiences in stitches in a variety of characters, often appearing in drag.
But he also directed Life Of Brian, a film which sparked outrage after its 1979 release but is now an undisputed comedy classic.
Jones also helped forge the surreal style of TV series Monty Python's Flying Circus, which changed the tone of British comedy.
The comedy legend was born in Colwyn Bay in 1942, moving to Claygate, Surrey, at the age of five.
He remained closely affiliated with the North Wales town, and was patron of Theatr Colwyn.
A spokesperson for Theatr Colwyn said: "The whole team here at Theatr Colwyn are deeply saddened to hear the news of Terry Jones’ passing. Terry was a wonderful and supportive patron and it was always a pleasure to welcome him to the theatre, in a town he was proud to be associated with.
We send our love and condolences to Terry’s family and friends. Terry will always be remembered with great affection by all the staff, volunteers and patrons of Theatr Colwyn. This evening, in his memory, we will dim the lights for 1 minute prior to the screening."
