tribute

"Now my next guest is known for his cheery disposition and smiling face, except when he's on television where he's known as the miserable one on Have I Got News For You."

Angus Deayton. (TV's Mr. Sex)

"The man they call Mr. Comedy... sorry, Mr. Merton."

Theresa Gorman. (MP, amazingly)

"Isn't he sweet."

Ian Hislop. (Sperm of the devil)

After Paul described him as a bald headed short-arse: "It's good to see that legendary repartee in action. The cleverest man in England !"

After Paul described him as a little shit: "Britain's wittiest man ! Roll over Oscar Wilde !"

Ian also once described Paul as "an alien from Planet Stroppy".

Paul: I've got a tadpole in my pocket.

Ian: That's very modest of you Paul.

Paul: In three months time it will leap over a wall though.

Martin Clunes. (Guest on Have I Got News For You)

When asked about Have I Got News For You: "I sort of watch it, I don't really pay much attention. I quite like it when the bloke over there pipes up" (pointing at Merton).

And now for the serious tributes:

Mark Lewisohn. (Author of the "Radio Times Guide to TV Comedy")

"An exponent of weirdness... 'Paul Merton - The Series' had some fine ideas and genuinely hilarious moments."

Colin Mochrie. (Regular contestant on Whose Line Is It Anyway)

"My favorite comedy shows are Fawlty Towers, Mr. Bean, Monty Python and anything with Paul Merton."

Bob Monkhouse. (Top TV presenter and standup comic)

Bob Monkhouse

"Paul Merton walks a gangplank without knowing if there is a ship at the other end. He starts on a flight of fancy and doesn't have a clue where he's going to end. He's a singular master of comedy."

Dan Patterson. (Producer of Whose Line Is It Anyway)

"I do think he has a capacity for genius, and you don't use that sort of word lightly. I've worked with Peter Cook, and Paul can be his equal."

Larry Wodarski (Managing director:The Money Store)

"We are delighted to have Paul Merton appear (in our adverts). He appeals to a wide audience with his witty, dry and down-to-earth humour and integrity."

Daily Telegraph. (Newspaper)

"The most naturally gifted comic this country has produced since Peter Cook."

Evening Standard. (Newspaper)

"Britain's funniest comedian."

Sunday Times . (Newspaper - Review of "Paul Merton in Galton & Simpsons...")

"...funny ... comedy great ... a triumph."

The Times. (Newspaper - Review of "My Struggle".)

"Brilliant and extremely funny."