Noel Fielding is the latest comedian to pay tribute to the late Rik Mayall, who died suddenly on June 9 after “an acute cardiac event” following a morning run. The Mighty Boosh star details how Mayall’s The Young Ones influenced his own his comedy, which enjoyed three series on The BBC and a popular live show.

Noel Fielding Mighty Boosh LiveNoel Fielding performs The Mighty Boosh Live in 2005 - Photo: Getty/Simone Joyner

Writing in The NME, Fielding notes that The Young Ones was “the first post-punk comedy, and a complete changing of the guard. The Young Ones was a huge influence on The Mighty Boosh, for both Julian [Barratt] and myself."

More: Rik Mayall's Cause of Death - Cardiac Arrest After Morning Run

"I loved the insane plots: digging for oil in their cellar, a bomb landing in their kitchen, and them appearing on University Challenge,” added Fielding. “I also loved the puppets, the ice-skating carrots, talking statues and Buddy Holly hanging from the ceiling. But Rik Mayall always stole the show with lines like "Shut up Neil, I'm trying to stir my coffee" and "Hands up who likes me?"

Mayall, who recently scored a posthumous UK Top Ten hit for his football song, ‘Noble England’ was also known for his role in Blackadder and The New Statesman, not to mention his creation of the seminal comedy Bottom with Ade Edmondson. 

More: Rik Mayall Dead at 56: Tributes Roll In For 'Bottom' Star

His widow, Barbara Robbin, has recenty asked fans for their “thoughts and prayers” ahead of the beloved star’s funeral. “We will be burying him at 2pm on Thursday June 19 if you would like to join us in thoughts and prayer at this time,” she said. “Thank you again for all your love and support to all our family, it brings great strength.”

Rik MayallRik Mayall [L] and Ade Edmondson