Charles Kennedy's ready wit was never more obviously on display than during several appearances on satire show Have I Got News For You - and he appeared so often he was dubbed "chatshow Charlie".
His 2008 appearance saw stand-in host Jeremy Clarkson introduce him as a man with a "glass half full approach to politics" - a reference to his public struggle with alcohol.
Mr Kennedy took the jibe in good grace, but when Clarkson put his glasses on during the show he quickly quipped of the then Top Gear presenter: "If your eyesight continues to deteriorate does that mean you won't be able to drive cars?"
The long-running show's executive producer has paid tribute to the former Liberal Democrat leader, saying his honesty made him one of the programme's most popular signings.
"Charles Kennedy was one of the few politicians prepared to appear on Have I Got News For You and show himself as he really was," Richard Wilson said.
"His popularity was due, in part, to the fact that he really was a decent person with a sense of humour, especially about himself."
Mr Kennedy became the first serving party leader to join the panel of the TV show.
After having been a guest on the topical news quiz six times, he enjoyed a turn as host in 2002 following the sacking of Angus Deayton.
Captain Ian Hislop said: "This is sad news. Charles was clever, funny, committed, self-deprecating, generous and very good company. Yes, he had a drink problem but he had better judgement drunk than a lot of politicians sober."
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