Comedian Rhod Gilbert has tragically lost his dad Malcolm at the age of 88, his wife Sian Harries announced on Twitter

Rhod Gilbert’s tragic loss as dad Malcolm dies after lockdown tore them apart

Rhod Gilbert and his family are devastated after the death of his father.

Malcolm was 88, and will be terribly missed by his heartbroken loved ones.

The sad news was shared by his wife Sian Harries, who wrote on Twitter : “It’s with huge heavy hearts we share that Rhod’s brilliant Dad, my wonderful father in law, has died. What a hole he leaves, at 88, the most knowledgeable, jazz-piano playing, Russian-speaking, old-school socialist, progressive men I’ve ever met. We shall miss him terribly”

People rushed to offer their condolences to the Welsh comedian and his family.

Fellow comic Sarah Millican replied: “So very sorry for your loss. Love to you and Rhod xxxx”

One fan wrote: “I loved hearing about Rhod’s Dad in his standup/on BBC radio Wales – I miss Rhod’s stories about the reclining sofa, the microwave left/found in the hedge etc It was really obvious for all Rhod’s dour bluster that he loved his Dad more than life. My condolences to you all x”

Earlier this year, Rhod raced to the care home in West Wales where his dad, who was blind and had limited movement after a heart attack, lived.

Rhod, 52, explained: “The care home locked down earlier than most and we got a message saying not to visit.

“Because he can’t see and he can’t move I got him a smart speaker.

“I shoved it through the window along with a wi-fi modem while I stood out in the rain at about 10 at night, telling these carers how to set it up.

“He’s had an audiobook a day for the last six weeks or so.”