..it's encouraging to note that both Humph & Willie Rushton will now be presiding over Radio 4 Comedy, and probably both responsible for numerous technical faults that offer a welcome release from amateurish mirth not worthy of air-play.
Gentlemen, Elvis has left the building !

Mark Drummond, Dunstable, Bedfordshire

Oh, God, Humph - you've got me crying AGAIN! Your silliness has been a lesson to us all. Your sense of the ridiculous is our heritage so PLEASE BBC 7, give him back to us without moderation. You've got enough for a repeat everyday for years. You can do it. Don't leave us pining.

Suzy PLACET, Poilhes, France

When I was 18 I saw Humph at the 100 Club. In the break, I approached him at the pub just behind the club. "May I buy you a drink?" I asked. "No, let me buy you one," he responded. "Thanks; half a pint."

In the second break, it was my round. "What'll you have?" "A double Scotch," he replied.

Richard Flohil, Toronto, Canada

It doesn't surprise me to hear that Humph had been offered a knighthood - or that he had turned it down.
A man who could make the world laugh had all the reward he wanted.
My favourite part of ISIHAC was the intro to Give Us a Clue with the stories about Lionel Blair.
He will never be replaced.

GJB, Slough, Berkshire

We would like to hear from other readers "who are the last arrivals at the heavenly ball?? Come on team lets hear it. I am running out of time!!

Will Williams, Kendal, England

Who will now referee the games of Mornington Crescent as effectively as Humph? Once or twice I nearly crashed the car while listening to the show.
Heaven is in for a treat.

Bless you, Humph and thank you.

Malcolm Wilson, WEST MALLING, United Kingdom

So sorry to hear this news. Does this mean that there will be no more episodes of Just a Minute ?

Mrs Trellis, North Wales, Wales

Sad to hear the news. His "Bad Penny Blues" was the first 78 record I bought from my very first wage packet as a15 year old apprentice. Also met him at a Duke Ellington concert in Leeds many years ago - he was as excited to be there as I was!

John Thompson, Fredericton, Canada

Probably the funniest man without peer in the history of British comedy. Multi-talented, brilliant dead-pan, and superb musician. His like will never be found again. I, and many thousands like me, will miss both the comedy and the jazz. Bless you, Humph, for the many hours of pure entertainment.
CG

C Griffiths, Carmarthen, UK

exquisitely, rib-achingly hilarious - and that without offending anybody. Watch over us and guide us, Humph - xxx

Sue Kunst-Elliott, Es Castell, Menorca / Spain

A very sad day.Life will never be the same again........Thanks for all the years of laughter,it was great to pass the time with you.

Dean, Northwich, UK

Having recently seen Humphrey and his band at Middle Temple, I can say that his music inspired people of all ages. I had the best dance in a long time that night - he will genuinely be missed by music lovers and alike.

Ami P, North London, UK

Greta Trumpeter, very funny man. His intro's into 'Clue were funnier than the rest of the show. Sadly missed.

Graham Herriott, Braintree, UK

An amazing talent, and a huge hole left in R4 comedy. RPI Humph.

Gilly Riddington, ashton keynes, uk

Irreplaceable! A joy to have been able to listen to him! Thank you!

Neil Graham, Mula, Murcia, Spain

A National Treasure now a National Loss.

He was truly irreplaceable.

Lindsay Murphy, Redditch, Worcestershire,

Radio four has lost some genius in the past couple of years but among the best must have been Humph. He always made me giggle the cheeky old thing! He will be sorely missed. Our kind regards to his family and thanks for all the pleasure you brought Humph. Rest in Peace.

judy, Liverpool, England

I wonder how Humph would have signed himslf off?
Doubtless, it would have been pithy, dry and wonderfully delivered. We'd have all laughed and marvelled at the humour he brought to us, sometimes in the most simple, yet contrived way. Fond memories of a hugely talented entertainer. RIP Humph.

rory kehoe, melbourne, australia

The mention of that other comedic genius Kenneth Horne is apt. Both could make me sore and breathless with laughter. I'll miss Humph terribly

dave, Jerrabomberra, Australia

Farewell Sir Humph. Joke and play in peace.

Jack Gamon, Near Brighton, England

So sorry to hear this sad news. Haven't heard IHGNFU for several years but it gave me and, obviously, so many others years of real pleasure.
God bless Humph.
I'd rather the Beeb didn't try and find a new Chairman. Let's just remember it the way it was!

Alan , Cape Town , South Africa

I hope we get the opportunity to hear Humph. again. We will miss him!

Joan Betts, Yarm, Cleveland

Buy far the funniest "Samantha" moment for me was last year, the news had just broken the the US government was prepared to kidnap any body they felt could be guilty of terrorism.

chris , liverpool,

" I was chatting to Samantha earlier and asked if she was concerned about the possibility of being snatched by the yanks, I'd rather that than the other way around she replied"

chris , liverpool,

I first saw Humph and his band at Leicester in the 1950s. Recently, my wife and I booked to see him at Peterborough's Key Theatre on Friday April 18th. The concert was cancelled owing to Humph's ill health. Oh dear! We shall never see him now. We'll miss him greatly.

Mike Turland, Peterborough, United Kingdom

God bless and God speed Humph. Earths loss is Heavens gain.

Simon Cross, Nottingham, England

I shall miss him dreadfully. What a pleasure it has been to listen to him over the years. RIP, Humph.

Abel, London,

We'll all miss you, Humph. Enjoy the great Mornington Crescent in the sky.

John Bulwer, Brussels,

What a sad day but what wonderful happy memories.

Ann, LEEDS,

This is extremely bad news. I think Tim Brooke-Taylor would be wrong, however, to rule out further shows. Humphrey was outstanding, but I believe there are others who could keep the show going. Comparisons made by listeners will of course be unavoidable at first.

Des, Edinburgh,

The Humph is dead.
Long live the Humph.

Andy , edinburgh, UK

Sad loss to jazz lovers and to Britain in general. What a wonderful man who mentored many a budding young musician.
I last saw him at the 2007 Edinburgh Jazz Festival in fine form and still encouraging youngsters in his inimitable fashion.
His radio shows were also a joy.
Rest in Peace Big Man

Ian Smith, Torello Catalonia, Spain

I often heard him play at his jazz club at 100 Oxford Street, London many years ago he was great, and have enjoyed ISIHAC since its inception. I think he might be irreplacable as was Kenneth Horne as the only apparently sane person amongst insanity.
I will miss him.

bob higham, Brighton, United Kingdom

A giant of a man. I recall with great fondness his show in Worcester a number of years ago where, as on radio, he had me crying with laughter.

Absolutely unique.

Martin, Smiths, Bermuda

Samantha will be distraught. Who will now polish her 38 bees? Mrs Trellis - please attend the funeral on behalf of us all. I hope the cortege will travel via Paddington, the Mall, Finchley Road and M......

Richard Stevenson, Harrogate, UK

Goodbye Humph, ISIHAC kept a smile on my face through the toughest of times, you'll be sorely missed. Thank you.

David Parkinson, Leeds, UK

In talkin about humphrey lytrtelton, please don't forget his presentation of - and selection of recordings for - his jazz programme on radio for many, many years. Humph was more than "Clue".

Keith Edgerley, Coppet and Aigues-Mortes

Keith Edgerley, Coppet/Aigues-Mortes, Switzerland/France

A lovely, multi-talented man. He often made me laugh till I cried. A very sad day, they just don't make them like that any more.

Peta Bridges, Orihuela Costa, Spain

Goodbye Humph

Edwin, Glasgow, UK

I've read his books on jazz but never knew till now about his refusing the knighthood, or his samantha tales. I always had the highest regard for this man who has gone up even more in my estimation. What a wonderfully well rounded human being

J Morris, Birmingham, UK

A lovely man. So many good memories.
Let's hope the BBC ends ISIHC and we value the good years we have had, rather than try and keep it going by trying to replace the irreplaceable.

john, Oxford, England

Who will Mrs Trellis write to now? The greatest of all comedic broadcasters. His remarks after contestants sang were my favourite, 'that was fantastic' after Jeremy Hardy etc. His timing and sense of fun were a joy to listen to and I can't think of anyone so genuinely loved and treasured by so many.

Pavel Astovski, Leicester,

Gabriel, you have some competition

volov, auckland, new zealand

Great jazz man - RIP !!!!

Ian Payne, WALSALL,

I shall miss driving down the M4 on Monday evenings - watching other drivers equally unable to stop laughing and giggling out loud, often with tears of absolute joy - knowing that we had each been part of something unique and truly, truly funny. A wonderful man. The end of a golden era on radio.

Mike L, Chippenham, Wilts

Sad, bad news for jazz and for lovers of good humour.

Bill Q, Derby,

An awesome talent - a very funny man and a great musician and octogenarian.
So many times he has had me in stitches with his outrageous innuendo and deadpan delivery.
His Samantha commentaries and surreal summaries were something to look forward to.

Alan Pickard, Thornbury, UK

Will there be another Humpth? I hope so because what's life without humour and Humph gave us that in spades.

Michael Taylor, Cardiff, UK

I am writing this from Eton where 'Humph' was born, we'll be thinking of him today and I will be digging out the ISIHAC CD's to recall a legend of radio comedy and a gentle giant who has enriched millions of lives

Geoff Riley, Eton,

A truly Great Trad Jazzumpet player he became an even greater interpreter of Duke Ellington with his 30s style band.
I saw him in Tadcaster about 4 years ago one Saturday night and can still recall "Mood Indigo" played to perfection.
NO TEARS!!! just smug hysterics at his comedic skill

Lord Collins, York, UK

Bad Penny Blues was the first record I ever bought. ISIHAC and Just a Minute are the only BBC programmes I bother with any longer. When Parson goes, they can shut it down. And me with it. So sad.

John Lynch, Whittingron, UK

a huge loss to those who have enjoyed ISIHAC over the years - wonderful sense of humour, fabulous timing a truly great broadcaster and musician. We have been most fortunate.

Good luck Humph!

knperkins , Rethymno , crete

Thank you Humph... God Bless

Kevin, Nashville, USA

I sat beside him once, at a Count Basie concert. He nodded, and said "hello".
On yer, Humph
Tony Standish

Tony Standish, Mount Martha, Australia

Anyone wanting to remember the great man should read It Just Occurred to Me ... The reminiscences & thoughts of Chairman Humph (Robson Books, 2006) - like having him in the room with you. As Barry Cryer would say, it;'s uncanny.

Rufus, Camberwell

Rufus, London, UK

Sad news for fans of I’m Sorry I Haven’t A Clue, like me.
The show was about the only BBC offering nowadays, that was genuinely funny.

Christopher Hanley, Melbourne, Australia

In one series Humphrey choked. One of the panelists, obviously concerned that Humphrey was making an 'early exit, asked if he was fine. Still choking he made a joke, the audience laughed and it just showed what a great professional and entertaining performer he was. God bless 'Humph'!

James Stanworth, Tainan,, Taiwan

I was lucky enough to see Humph last month in Salford in the touring version of ISIHAC.
Mondays at 6.30pm will no longer be the same.

Marc, Manchester, UK

Oh bugger.........

zeb, middlesbrough,

Hey!............here's a loss eh?.............And Samantha????.LOL!

Jo, Eastbourne, UK

An absolute tragedy -- I don't know how I shall survive without ISIHAC . . .

Mrs Trellis of North Wales, Mornington Crescent, UK

With the reach of the BBC around the world, and now, with the Internet allowing us Americans to share your treasures, this is truly an international loss. I am grateful to have listened to the last couple of years of I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue. Lots of tears for Mr. Lyttleton but that is proper.

Claire, St. Louis, MO, USA

Keep the programme and his memory alive. Sometimes we can't imagine being without someone even though we know one day they will leave us. Mondays at 6.30pm will never be as funny again. I presume samantha had to rush off before the end to help Gabriel polish his trumpet?

Alison, Rhydymwyn,

Another institutional figure bites the dust. God, I’m going to miss him …

Thanks for all the times I giggled in the most absurdly puerile way.

I only knew you through the radio but thank you so much for everything you gave me.

God bless.

Rich.

Rich Askew, Gibraltar, Gibraltar

He was good but the article needs shortening; too many accolades. However, Lyttelton was extraordinarily good and had me in stitches when introducing 'tonight's host location.

You must keep it going boys - if only to please Humphrey. Please consider the show's huge loyalty. We will forgive you.

Edwin, Bucharest,

Bye bye Humph. It was great to know you. Thanks.

tris, dundee, scotland

He was wonderful

moira mcgregor, Dundee, United Kingdom