Comic Ayli dies aged 54

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John Plant, left in picture, alias Ayli, died in Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley, last night after being admitted with serious bowel problems.

His death has stunned the hundreds of fans of the popular double act.

Tributes have already started pouring in for the 54-year-old funnyman from Hockley Lane, Netherton.

He had been on a sell-out tour with his partner Alan Smith, alias Aynuk, when he was rushed to hospital.

He spent several weeks confined to his hospital bed before losing his fight for life.

Mr Smith, aged 69, from Arch Hill Street, Netherton, had vowed to carry on with a one-man show.

But the death of his much-loved partner, whom he fondly called "me old mucker", will leave a question mark over whether he will now retire.

John's wife Linda, aged 52, was too upset to speak today.

But his devastated daughter Katie fought back the tears to pay tribute to a man who had given laughter to thousands.

She told the Express & Star, the entire family had been with John when he died at 9.30 last night.

She said: "It has been a terrible shock for all the family and we were hoping like everyone else he would get better."

She revealed that before he died her father had been barely able to speak.

But one of the last things he said was how much he loved his family.

Katie said that she, her mother and her brother James were very proud of the legacy of laughter which her father had left behind him.

By Heather Loat

Your views: "This is terribly sad news, and particularly tragic for Ayli to lose his life at such a young age. The pair have become legends, seemed to have such a great personal relationship, and in their act they slotted together perfectly. Ayli (John Plant) will be very sadly missed by many of us in the West Midlands and further afield. RIP Ayli, taken from us much too soon. Thanks for all the laughs." Geoff Whiting

"Our hearts are with John's family. He was a one-off. Such a wicked sense of humour and a brilliant comic. Our thoughts are with Alan (Aynuk) too, losing his mucker, his best friend, his sidekick. RIP John, always loved, never forgotten!" Nigel, Vickie and Harry Davenport

"My mother and I are so upset to hear the news. We went on a special night out to Dormston Mill Theatre a few months ago to see Aynuk and Ayli in a Black Country Night Out. It was the funniest and best night out we had had in a long time. It was wonderful to celebrate being 'muckers' and the Black Country will surely miss John Plant. Very best wishes and condolences to his family but he will not be forgotten." Sam Jones