Writing with Rik was the most joy I have had in my life, making each other laugh, properly laugh. It's rare you get a relationship like that

IT has been almost a decade since comedy genius Rik Mayall suddenly, and unexpectedly, died of a heart attack at his home.

- MARK JEFFERIES

And sitting on the sofa of a replica version of the Bottom set, scene of so many laughs and jokes crafted by Rik and his best friend, it is perhaps no surprise that Adrian Edmondson cannot hold back the tears.

"It's really weird being in a world without him," he said.

"Very weird thinking he didn't know anything about Brexit and about Covid.

"I mean our relationship was strained towards the end.

"When I do things like this, I remember the absolute joy of sitting in that little office in Richmond [writing].

"It was absolute distilled joy, the most joy I have ever had in my life, making each other laugh, properly laugh. It's very rare you get a relationship like that. It's been 10 years now nearly, since he died. It was a very shocking thing. An absolute genuine surprise because he was fairly fit.

"He had stopped drinking for several years.

"It was weird to have a heart attack when you're not really heart attack material.

"We used to write each other's characters more than people imagine. As Ade I was in love with Richie and Rik was in love with Eddie. I think that love shows.

"They are like alter egos of each other. Eddie is my alter-ego.

"I mean properly.

"We're quite similar and Rik's quite similar to Richie so it's about our love for each other."

He added: "I remember mostly the joy that we had in the writing room. That's the funniest place I've ever been.

"We laughed harder in that room than I've ever laughed before or since. It was an absolutely joyous experience. It was a real kind of communion."

Ade is looking back at the much-loved sitcom Bottom, which spanned three series and 18 episodes from 1991 to 1995-as well as a film and five sell-out stage shows.