Tributes have been paid to Petts Wood-born comedy writer David Nobbs, best known for creating the television character Reginald Perrin, after his death aged 80.

Mr Nobbs, was born in Petts Wood and lived in Sevenoaks Road, Orpington until he was 23.

He also contributed to The Two Ronnies, Ken Dodd, Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd as well as writing 20 novels.

He wrote the Reginald Perrin novels which were turned into a much-loved sitcom that originally ran between 1976 and 1979.

They starred Leonard Rossiter as a man constantly on the verge of a mid-life crisis but with a vivid imagination.

News Shopper spoke to the author in 2013, as he prepared to release his 20th novel, and he told us his most famous character came from his experience of Orpington.

He told us: “I like to think the idea of Reggie Perrin came to me catching the 8.16am from Orpington Station on the way to school.

“I saw the same people in the same position in the same carriage, businessmen.

“The idea came into my head and that’s what surfaced all those years later.”

 

 

 

Tributes poured in from the world of comedy for Mr Nobbs.

Stephen Fry wrote: "Oh no! David Nobbs has died. I liked him very very much. Such a brilliant comic writer and such a kind, wise man."

John Cleese described the Perrin shows as his "masterwork".

He posted on Twitter: "Very sad today to hear of the death of David Nobbs. First worked with him on the Frost Report in 1966 ... a lovely kind, gentle man with a delicious sense of humour.

"He wrote many top-class shows and books."

The Office creator Ricky Gervais, borrowing a catchphrase from Perrin's tyrannical boss CJ, said: "I didn't get where I am today by not knowing what a genius David Nobbs was. RIP."

Little Britain star Matt Lucas wrote: "Reggie Perrin and A Bit Of A Do were masterpieces. David Nobbs leaves the world a richer place."

Mr Nobbs is survived by his wife, Susan, four stepchildren, eight step-grandchildren and two step-great-grandchildren.