Comedian Ricky Gervais, whose BBC programme Extras Sir Patrick guest starred in, described him as a “legend”.

Sharing a video of the pair giggling in a set of bloopers for the series, Gervais said: “I still can’t believe he agreed to do this scene. And he didn’t even mind when I ruined every take.”

Sir Patrick was a lifelong supporter of English Football League club Huddersfield Town, which called him a “titan of his craft”.

“Fiercely proud of his Yorkshire roots, Sir Patrick was a Terrier in every sense, and we’re proud to have counted him as one of our own,” the club added.

Alzheimer’s is the most common type of dementia, while Lewy Body Dementia is another common form caused by abnormal protein deposits, which cause a loss of cognitive function.

The Alzheimer’s Society CEO Michelle Dyson said Sir Patrick was an “extraordinarily talented and much-loved actor, admired by millions around the world”, adding: “His death is a heartbreaking reminder of the devastating impact dementia has on people and families across the globe.”

The actor became a campaigner on domestic violence in later life, including becoming an ambassador for domestic abuse charity Refuge in 2007, after witnessing his mother suffer violence at the hands of his father.

Hetti Barkworth-Nanton, Refuge’s board chair, said it had been a privilege to “watch his endless devotion” to the cause, adding that he “broke down barriers and taboos on the subject”.

Andy Burnham considered Sir Patrick to be “one of the very best” who “never forgot his working-class Yorkshire roots”.

“He brought joy to millions,” the prime minister’s spokesman said on his behalf. “He always stood up for what he believed in, including through his campaigning to help those affected by domestic violence.