Globe arts writer Peter Grant says a fond farewell to star of stage, screen and radio - John Sessions who has died at the age of 67.

HE was the most versatile talent we have seen since the likes of Peter Sellers.

In a career spanning more than 50 years, since graduating from RADA, John Sessions could tackle every genre from Shakespeare to major film roles while performing top-notch comedy on television and radio.

I first met the shy Scottish comedian and actor in 1982 when I was the press officer at the Everyman Theatre in Liverpool.

He was making a name for himself as a stand-up.

Many compared him to Robin Williams.

John had joined the Everyman as a cast member in the smash-hit production of A Midsummer Night's Dream directed by Glen Walford.

It was evident from our first meeting that he was a superb improviser.

He could also imitate anyone he came into contact with.

Witty and intelligent, he made my job easier when it came to publicity interviews.

He was great company.

I recall him performing a sketch on Granada TV before a matinee and taking off Michael Heseltine.

Presenter Tony Wilson loved the biting satire and John was asked back for more appearances.

Creating a separate solo project, John asked me to promote two improvised shows he had devised called Don't Spit in the Mersey.

Both sold out in hours and these late night one-man revues where curtain-raisers for later success in the West End over the following decades.

John was a private person but he once showed me a special letter he had kept in his wallet.

It was from his idol telling a young Mr Sessions to 'keep working' at his craft as he had genuine talent.

The letter was from John Cleese.

I kept in touch with John until superstardom made him busier than ever with critically-acclaimed roles in Whose Line is It Anyway? As well as roles in more than 45 film and 80 TV productions.

Yet he will be best remembered for panel shows such as QI and for his uncanny gift for mimicry.

He was also a major contributor to Spitting Image.

I was due to see him this Christmas - Covid allowing - at the annual Private Eye shows in London.

Sadly, a heart attack has taken him away far too early.

Happily, I still have the memory of John taking off my Scouse accent.

It is ringing in my ears now as I mourn the loss of this well-respected and star.