Ronnie was a straightforward man who had this extraordinary ability to make the nation laugh.

a straightforward, down-to-earth man who had this extraordinary ability to make the nation laugh - probably more often than anyone else I know.

Fame changes everything. When you're well-known, you're expected to be different. Some people assume you must have a yacht and four homes. Or that you're famous because you are 'A Decent Man'.

Ronnie could turn himself into any character. He did it with an effortless ease.

I think you learn a lot about a country from its art. To me, it's part of the drama of life. It teaches you that there are places, moments and incidents in other cultures that genuinely have a life of their own.

Eric Idle 's Personal Best,