Australian comedian Colin Cole – whose 6ft 7in frame was a familiar fixture on the UK stand-up circuit – has died at the age of 66.

'Dools' Doolieman, who promotes gigs in Western Australia, broke the news on Facebook, saying: ‘Col was not only a great act but hysterical company in the car on tour. I will truly miss you big guy, I loved you like a brother.’

He also acknowledged that Cole, who was especially active on the Jongleurs circuit in the 1990s, ‘wasn't always the most PC comedian on the planet’.

Cole also wasn’t the most original of stand-ups – although his skill at telling a joke and commanding a room, however rowdy, kept him in demand.

Among those paying tribute on social media today were Andre Vincent, who called the news ‘gutting’. He called Cole: ‘A man with a big body but even bigger heart. RIP Big Col - our jokes are safe again!!’

Joe Wells added: ‘Sad news about Colin Cole, he was always very kind to me backstage. We were from completely different worlds and he had a lot more experience in weekend clubs than me but he always treated me as an equal.’

Cole was born in Brisbane, Australia, in 1956 and based in South East London at the time of his death.

Here he is in action on the Jongleurs TV series: