Ronnie Corbett's career could have taken a very different turn in the 1960s, according to his 2000 autobiography.

The comedian, who passed away today, recalled in his book High Hopes his "narrow escape from being typecast as an ape" when he nearly landed a role in 2001: A Space Odyssey.

Part of the extract has made its way online, which reveals how director Stanley Kubrick was keen to have him play a "part-ape part human" that was "capable of laughing and crying" in his 1968 sci-fi movie.

Corbett recalled that he received a "mysterious" call from Kubrick's office following a performance at Sunday Night at the London Palladium, the director having seen him on stage.

Brian J. Ritchie ELLEMEN

The comedian said he then went through weeks of "arduous tests" for costume and make-up.

"It was a horrible experience," he wrote. "They put two straws up my nostrils so that I could breathe and then they covered my whole face, including my eyes, with warm plastic."

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Corbett then described how he was given a pad to communicate with the plastic on his face, writing on it: "'Get it off!'"

"After this frightening ordeal I never did get the part in the end, but I can't remember why not, or what happened next," Corbett continued.

Harold Cunningham / FilmMagic

"If I had got it, my career might have gone in an entirely different direction. Way out into space actually. With a plum part in Planet of the Apes."

However, he added that he was "extremely grateful" that it didn't happen, revealing he was "much happier playing homo fairly sapiens".

A number of celebrities, including David Walliams, Ricky Gervais and Rob Brydon have paid tribute to Corbett since his death was announced.

Sam Warner Sam Warner is Digital Spy’s freelance news reporter.

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