'Ronnie was pure gold in triplicate: as a performer, writer and friend' Corbett tells of sadness at the loss of his partner: [Final Edition]

THEYworked together in perfect harmony for 40 years, bringing laughter to the lives of millions. Now, with the death of Ronnie Barker, British comedy's most enduring and gifted partnership has been brought to an end.

Last night, Ronnie Corbett spoke of both his sadness at the loss of a great friend and of the joy their relationship, personal and professional, had brought them.

"Ronnie was pure gold in triplicate: as a performer, a writer and a friend. We worked together since 1965 and we never had a cross word, " he said.

"It was 40 years of harmonious joy, nothing but an absolute pleasure. I will miss him terribly, but he went out on a lift."

That "lift"was the success of the recent BBC series The Two Ronnies Sketchbook forwhich Barker, battling failing health, emerged from reclusive retirement to front alongside his old partner. Though the comic magic was still in evidence, Barker looked gaunt and frail behind the smiles and the trademark glasses.

Edinburgh-born Corbett said: "He was delighted that The Two Ronnies Sketchbook had gone so well, bringing us to a new generation of audiences."

Ronnie Barker, 76, died on Monday with his wife of 48 years, Joy Tubb, at his bedside.

It is believed that he had gone into a hospice earlier this week.

Rosalind Chatto, his agent, said: "He died after a long period of heart trouble. He died peacefully and his wife was with him. He had been nursed at home for a long time."

The Two Ronnies, which ran for 98...