...to 'unique' comedy talent of former Goon

Des O'Connor says he has been saddened by the death of Spike Milligan.

He doubts the country will see the likes of the former Goon again.

O'Connor says Milligan had a "unique" talent.

He said: "This is very sad news. Very few performers could be described as completely unique, but Spike was.

"He could improvise on the spot, he was a comic genius, a gifted and a wonderfully warm human being. I doubt we will see another like him again."

Iain Duncan Smith, Conservative Party leader, said he was "deeply saddened" to hear of Milligan's death.

"My family and I still find the Goon tapes hilarious and they created an atmosphere that inspired generations of great comedy successes," he said.