Comedy legend Tony Slattery passed away at the age of 65 after suffering a heart attack in January 25. Slattery was a familiar face on British television, known for his appearances on Channel 4's comedy improvisation show Whose Line Is It Anyway? and popular programmes such as Just A Minute and BBC's Have I Got News For You.

A statement released by his partner Mark Michael Hutchinson read: "It is with great sadness we must announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, has passed away today, Tuesday morning, following a heart attack on Sunday evening."

Despite his hugely successful career, Tony died with no money and having made no provisions for his funeral, leading his friends to raise money for one. They manage to achieve an impressive £25,000 on Crowdfunder. The message on the site read: "Tony Slattery was a titan of British comedy. He appeared in countless television shows and films, being most fondly remembered for Whose Line Is It Anyway?

"Sadly, in later years mental health issues had diminished Tony's career, but with the unwavering support of his long-term partner, Mark, he made it through the wilderness and was back touring and performing comedy. Life was starting to look rosy again when, to the great shock of all who knew him, he suffered a fatal heart attack. Mark and Tony were looking forward to celebrating their fortieth anniversary this year. Because Tony was only just getting back to work, and because his passing was so unexpected, there wasn't a Plan B in place.

"If you could give just a little towards a funeral for Tony, it would be a huge weight of Mark's shoulders at this miserable time."

In a heartfelt interview in 2019, discussing his past struggles with addiction and his bipolar diagnosis, Slattery spoke fondly of his partner, saying: "He's kept with me when my behaviour has been so unreasonable and I can only think it's unconditional love. He's certainly not with me for my money – we don't have any money. It's the mystery of love. I'm sorry – it makes me very emotional."

In 2020, Slattery – who frequently discussed his bipolar disorder publicly – disclosed he had gone bankrupt after struggling with substance abuse and mental health difficulties. He told the Radio Times that his "fiscal illiteracy and general innumeracy" alongside his "misplaced trust in people" had also led to his financial troubles.

Slattery's illustrious career included roles in the final Carry On film Carry On Columbus, Robin Hood, Red Dwarf, The English Harem, Cold Blood, The Royal and Coronation Street.

He leaves behind his partner of over thirty years, actor Hutchinson. The pair first met while performing in Me and My Girl in the mid-80s.