It’s almost been a decade since Rik Mayall died of a heart attack at his home in London.

From starring in The Young Ones, Blackadder and Drop Dead Fred to name a few, the actor made a name for himself throughout his career.

Especially in Bottom, where Rik was just one half of the comedy duo alongside his close friend Adrian Edmondson.

The 90’s sitcom ran for three series on BBC Two from 1991 to 1995 – it focused on “two unemployed, crude, and perverted flatmates living in Hammersmith, London, who aspire to better themselves”.

It was also known for its “chaotic, nihilistic humour and violent slapstick comedy”.

But last night (April 18), GOLD aired a special two-hour documentary titled ‘Bottom: Exposed’ which “delved deep into the story” of the show – and fans were in “literal tears” as they shared just how much they “miss” the British icon.

In the special, Adrian gave his first-hand account of making the hit show with the late Rik Mayall.

The synopsis on TV Comedy Guide reads: “Bottom: Exposed explores the show from its anarchic production to its enormous success both on screen and on stage, right through to its legacy and the relationship between Adrian Edmondson and Rik Mayall at its centre. The special also uncovers a treasure-trove of rarities, giving a unique behind the scenes insight into Bottom, with footage that has never been broadcast and exclusive stories from the set.

“Producer and series director Ed Bye, former Bottom cast members Helen Lederer, Kevin McNally, Roger Sloman, Lisa Maxwell and Paul Bradley, and famous fans such as Chris McCausland and Maisie Adam reflect on the show and its monumental impact on the sitcom genre.”

‘The world misses Rik Mayall so much’ – Fans react to Bottom documentary on GOLD

Many viewers took to X, formerly Twitter to praise the “fantastic” Bottom documentary, with one person writing: “Bottom was a one-off, it still makes me cry to this day. Rik & @AdrianEdmondson were geniuses #BottomExposed #GOLD.”

Another added: “What a fantastic documentary that was. A superb celebration of the show and of Rik as well #BottomExposed.”

This Is Local London: Fans said the Bottom documentary was a 'superb celebration' of the showFans said the Bottom documentary was a 'superb celebration' of the show (Image: Matt Crossick/PA)

This user tweeted: “This is giving me all the feels; joy, nostalgia & then the sadness of the self-proclaimed pan global phenomenon not being here anymore. I'm so glad I got to grow up watching & loving the anarchic comedy that Rik & Ade always brought #BottomExposed.”

Also reminiscing on their childhood, an account said: “Tribute to the greatest ever and the show that made my childhood #BottomExposed.”

“In literally tears at #BottomExposed I used to love watching it with my Mam,” one emotional fan commented.

Someone shared: “Watching #BottomExposed and Ade crying just broke me. The world misses Rik Mayall so much.”

Others said they “really enjoyed” Bottom: Exposed because of the unseen and behind-the-scenes footage.

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This person said: “Thank you @goldchannel. I laughed and I cried. The previously unseen behind-the-scenes stuff was perfect, it was an amazing 2-hour tribute. God, I miss Rik.”

“I really enjoyed that. Lovely to get insight behind not just the show but their friendship that will always live on. I just really miss Rik, must get the DVDs out again. #BottomExposed,” explained another.

Reflecting on Bottom, an account posted: “If ever there was program that went against the grain, was utterly childish, offensive, stereotypical and downright bonkers then it was #bottom and you know what, British comedy is so much poorer without it. Just timeless.  #BottomExposed.”

You can catch up on Bottom: Exposed on Gold On Demand.