Paul Byrne, who directed many award-winning live comedy shows, has died.

His agents confirm: "After a short illness we are extremely saddened to confirm Paul Byrne has passed away at 44."

They comment: "Paul was an exceptional comedy director and worked on breakthrough and seminal shows for some of the UK's finest comedy talent. His knowledge and understanding of stand-up was unsurpassed as was his ability to help comedians discover their voice.

"The list of shows he worked on that were nominated or won awards both in Edinburgh and abroad was extensive, and spoke to his incredible gift at developing talent. The list of talent he worked closely with is almost too long to count but they include Andrew Maxwell, Roisin Conaty, Glenn Wool, Catherine Bohart, Milo McCabe, Larry Dean, Sarah Keyworth, Sindhu Vee, Micky Overman and many more.

"He spanned mediums and as a writer he worked on numerous Radio 4 shows including Andrew Maxwell's Late Agenda, Tim FitzHigham: The Gambler and Andrew Maxwell's Public Enemies.

"Away from the stage and behind the camera Paul was invaluable on the set of multiple TV shows. His calm and assured presence and creative input gave talent the confidence they needed to give the best possible performance. He was talent wrangler on ITV's Show Me The Funny, as ever, helping the comics on their journey. He was intrinsic to the success of Dara O Briain's Go 8 Bit and he worked extensively on Jamali Maddix's Vice show Hate Thy Neighbour both as a writer and producer. Hate Thy Neighbour went on to win critical acclaim and be nominated for a Digital Broadcast Award."

Byrne was diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma in 2013.

His brother, stand-up Ed Byrne tweeted a tribute this morning: