Comedy writer Jimmy Perry has been described as “fantastic” and “amazing” as celebrities lined up to pay tribute following his death.

Miranda Hart, Jack Dee and interim Ukip leader Nigel Farage are among those to express their sadness after he died at the age of 93.

Farage tweeted: “Sad news. Jimmy Perry created and co-wrote the fantastic Dad’s Army, my favourite comedy of all time.”

Recalling one of the programme’s most famous episodes, Pointless presenter Richard Osman joked Perry would have the perfect retort when asked his name at the gates of heaven.

In one scene from the hit series, the Home Guard members were confronted by a German soldier who demanded the name of the hapless Private Pike.

Captain Mainwaring quickly replied: “Don’t tell him Pike.”

Labour’s deputy leader Tom Watson also commented.

He tweeted: “We grew up laughing at Jimmy Perry’s hilarious characters. One of our greatest TV writers who will not be forgotten.”

CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis described Perry’s sitcoms as “pure gold” and said they “will live on”.

Coronation Street actress Jennie McAlpine, who plays Fiz Brown, tweeted: “Feel very lucky to have met Jimmy Perry and David Croft at a Music Hall do. Such a fan. Rest in peace Jimmy.”

Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in Dad’s Army, said Perry’s death is “the end of an era”.

He said: “I am sorry to hear about Jimmy. He has been a part of my life for such a long time, half of an amazing partnership (with Croft).

“It is certainly the end of an era, and of course brings back many wonderful memories, lots of good times together with much shared laughter. I will miss him being here.”