TV director Phil Chilvers was found dead in his hotel room last Friday after failing to arrive for filming of ITV1's The Price is Right .

The 400-strong audience for the show, hosted by comedian Joe Pasquale, was sent home from the studio in Manchester.

Chilvers, 58, had directed many hit TV shows in his career, including Never Mind The Buzzcocks, Room 101 and Terry Wogan’s Friday Night.

In a statement, the production company behind The Price is Right , Talkback Thames, said: “'We are all deeply shocked and saddened about today's news. Phil was one of the most respected and well loved entertainment directors in the UK.

"He will undoubtedly be a great great loss to us and indeed to the whole Industry."