‘Beloved by everyone’: Tributes as comedian Ed Byrne’s younger brother dies from cancer

Ed Byrne has been among a group of comedians to pay an emotional tribute to his younger brother who has died at the age of 44 after battling cancer.

Mr Byrne had battled Hodgkin’s lymphoma, which is a type of cancer that attacks the body’s lymph nodes.

He was diagnosed at the start of the Edinburgh Fringe in 2013, which prompted comedians including John Bishop, Phill Jupitus and Jason Byrne to fundraise for him.

However, his brother Ed has now paid tribute to his brother by saying he will “miss him so much”.

He wrote on Twitter: “Paul Byrne was a lot of things to a lot of people.

“A talented comedy director and stand up fixer, he was loved by so many.

“But to me, he was my pain-in-the-a*** little brother and I will miss him so much.

“RIP Paul Byrne 1977-2022.”

His agents, Individual Artist Management, announced the news in a statement. They said: “After a short illness we are extremely saddened to confirm Paul Byrne has passed away at 44.

“Paul was an exceptional comedy director and worked on breakthrough and seminal shows for some of the UK’s finest comedy talent. His knowledge and understanding of stand-up was unsurpassed as was his ability to help comedians discover their voice.

“The list of shows he worked on that were nominated or won awards both in Edinburgh and abroad was extensive, and spoke to his incredible gift at developing talent.”

Other comedians also shared their memories of Mr Byrne on social media today.

Omid Djalili said: “Very sorry to hear of the passing of comedy director Paul Byrne and younger brother of Ed Byrne – a very dear soul with whom I had many laughs at various Edinburgh festivals.”

Ben Target also wrote: “Feeling incredibly grateful I got to know and work with him. He always gave generous and honest advice, he knew funny better than anyone.

“He was beloved by everyone. I will miss him.”

Tiernan Douieb added: “This is really really sad news. Paul directed three of my shows and can honestly say I haven’t had that much fun working on anything since.

“Truly lovely, brilliant man that was nearly always the funniest person in the room at shows, despite being the one backstage”

Jason Manford also paid tribute and shared his condolences.

He said: “Oh Ed I’m so sorry, what a top bloke he was and my thoughts are with you and your family.”

David Baddiel added: “So sorry to hear this Ed. All best and thinking of you.”

Richard Herring said: “Much love to you Ed. He was loved by a lot of people and will be greatly missed.”