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DROITWICH comedy star Rik Mayall has died at the age of 56.

The Young Ones star and writer suffered a serious head injury 16 years ago when he was discovered unconscious after a quad bike he was riding toppled on top of him at his country home in Devon in 1998.

After being in a coma for five days with what doctors feared would be permanent brain damage, the star recovered.

The father-of-three had to take medication to stave off seizures from then on, and was admitted back to hospital a year later for further tests after he had the accident in a steep, rain-soaked field at his farm, but up until recently was still working.

He moved to Droitwich when he was three-years-old with his three siblings and performed in the spa town’s Norbury Theatre in productions written by his drama teacher parents, John and Gillian Mayall.

By some residents of Droitwich, Rik has been considered one of Droitwich’s finest exports.

The Bottom comedian also got his hometown mentioned in the first episode of Blackadder 2nd, titled ‘Bells’: “Father: Kate, for the final time, your mother is not dead. She’s run off with your uncle Henry.

“Kate: Dear father, I know you only say such things to comfort me.

“Father: Your mother is alive and well and living in Droitwich.”

Dozens of residents from the town took to Twitter to offer their tributes to the former King’s School pupil.

Jack Nicholls said: “Rik Mayall was also the most notable man to come from my home town of Droitwich, and got it a mention in Blackadder II episode ‘Bells’.”

Hayward Wright wrote: “Comedian and actor Rik Mayall dies - sad news local comedian lived in Droitwich and went to King’s School.”

Several users of the social network site, including Jack O’Brien, dubbed him “one of Droitwich’s favourite sons”, and Carol Ross said the town, where he spent his childhood after being born in Essex, would remember him always.

Another local, Andy Willetts, wrote: “Gutted to hear about Rik Mayall. He was a fantastic comic actor and a Droitwich lad to boot.”

Also on Twitter, @amarakate tweeted: “Droitwich is proud to have had you as one of us once upon time. RIP Rik Mayall, comedy legend.”

The death of the actor is not thought to be suspicious.

 

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