Actor Alex Beckett, best known to TV fans for his roles in W1A and Twenty Twelve has died. He was 35 years old.

He was currently appearing in The Way Of The World at the Donmar Warehouse. His agent and the theatre have issued the following statements:

Gavin Denton-Jones, Alex Beckett’s acting agent said: "We’re deeply saddened by the loss of Alex – a wonderful man and a hugely talented actor. Our thoughts are with his family and we kindly ask that their privacy be respected at this difficult time.”

Josie Rourke and Kate Pakenham of the Donmar Warehouse said:“We are deeply shocked by the tragic loss of our dear friend and brilliant actor Alex Beckett, a much-loved member of The Way of the World company. Our thoughts are with his family and close friends at this incredibly sad time.

Everyone at the Donmar and The Way of the World company are completely devastated by this terribly sad news. We have taken the decision to cancel the remaining performances this week, as a mark of respect to Alex, and to give some time to the company, who all loved Alex as a fellow actor, and a friend.”

Beckett was born in Carmarthenshire, South Wales and trained at Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts. He played Barney Lumsden of brand agency Perfect Curve in the BBC comedies W1A (pictured here with co-star Jessica Hynes) and Twenty Twelve. He also appeared in Top Coppers, A Touch Of Cloth and many other TV comedies.

His colleagues have been paying tribute. Jessica Hynes tweeted: "Alex Beckett was a wonderful, clever, kind, brilliant person - so glad to have known him, so sad he is gone."

And actor Rufus Jones said: "Just hearing this awful news about Alex Beckett. He was such a warm-hearted and funny, funny guy. W1A felt like a big family and he was a face you couldn’t wait to see. My thoughts with his family xx"

TV producer Ash Atalla wrote: "My god Alex Beckett has died. A lovely and very Welsh bloke. He’s been in a few of my shows, one that just finished filming. Huge love to his family."

Isy Suttie wrote: "I am really shocked and sad to hear about the death of Alex Beckett. He was an amazingly instinctive funny actor and joyous, mischievous, kind and intelligent company. Rest in peace Alex."

Zawe Ashton, who worked with Beckett onstage tweeted: "Shocked by news of Alex Beckett. We had a ball working together. An open,generous,funny,emotive,kind actor. On stage as well as off. Rare."

Jamie Demetriou, who Beckett had filmed the forthcoming Stath Lets Flats  with, tweeted: "I hate tweeting about this sort of thing. But Alex Beckett is one of the kindest most generous, funny people I've had the privilege of meeting and working with in the TV world. I think that's unanimous among all who met him. So much love to his family. Xxx"

Jonny Donahoe wrote: "Just read in the news that my friend Alex Beckett has died suddenly, and I'm fucking heartbroken. Astonishingly great actor and kind, wonderful person."

Jaon Watkins wrote: "Very shocked to hear that we have lost Alex Beckett. We had many silly a chat on the set of W1A Such a bright funny gentle person. With a huge and particular talent. Very sad and thinking of his freiends and family."

Ralg Little wrote: "Just heard about Alex Beckett. He did an ep of Married Single Other years ago with me @CHIMPSINSOCKS and @shaundooley and although it was a small part he was big haired and big hearted and unforgettable. A lovely lovely guy. Sad news."

Tom Davis tweeted: "Devastated to hear news of Alex Beckett’s passing, was a brilliant perfomer and a cracking lad. RIP mate."

The cause of death is not known at this stage.