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David Baddiel mourns death of father Colin following dementia battle

David Baddiel is mourning the loss of his father, Colin. (Getty Images)
David Baddiel is mourning the loss of his father, Colin. (Getty Images)

David Baddiel has said there is "a huge hole in my sky" after his father Colin has passed away.

The 57-year-old comedian's father had Pick's disease — a type of frontotemporal dementia — which he had opened up about in 2017 Channel 4 documentary The Trouble with Dad.

Baddiel tweeted: "My dad Colin Baddiel died earlier tonight. Thank so much to all of you who sent unbelievably lovely messages about him in response to all my posts over the years. He leaves a huge hole in my sky.

He added: "Thanks so much for all your incredible messages of support. It all so helps. I’d like to also thank while I’m here @bowles_clive, Sandra Wiseman and all the other amazing carers who helped look after my dad for the last seven years."

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The Three Lions singer has been flooded with messages of condolence from his fellow comedians and those from the world of entertainment.

Stephen Mangan replied: "So sorry to hear that, David. Much love to you."

LONDON - MARCH 3: Comedian David Baddiel and brother Ivor arrive at the London Film Premiere of Suzie Gold held at the Screen On The Hill on March 3, 2004 in London. (Photo by Dave Hogan/Getty Images)
David Baddiel and his brother Ivor spoke about their father's dementia in the Channel 4 documentary. (Getty Images)

John Bishop told him: "David I am so sorry for your loss. I felt I knew your father from the way you have spoken about him. I wish you and the family all the best at this very sad time."

Nigella Lawson tweeted: "Oh David, I’m so very sorry. Sending love."

And Sarah Millican wrote: "So sorry for your loss David x"

Colin was housebound and required 24 hour care.

Symptoms of Pick's disease can include personality and behavioural changes and problems with language problems and memory.

LONDON, ENGLAND - JULY 30:  (L to R) Morwenna Banks, Dolly Baddiel, David Baddiel and Ezra Baddiel attend the press preview of
David Baddiel and wife Morwenna Banks with their children Dolly and Ezra. (Getty Images)

In his Channel 4 documentary, Baddiel revealed how after the sudden death of his mother Sarah Fabian Baddiel in 2014, at the age of 75, he had to repeatedly explain to his father that she was no longer alive.

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Talking about his relationship with his father, he said: "I've never had a Hollywood father-son relationship with my dad, it's mainly abusive banter. But now what has happened is the dementia has made it more extreme.

"I think I would like to have some proper emotional connection with him before he dies… But I don't know how that is going to happen now."