TV LEGEND DEAD
Bernard Cribbins dead: Dr Who actor, Railway Children star and The Wombles narrator dies aged 93
THE Wombles narrator Bernard Cribbins has sadly died aged 93, just months after his wife.
Cribbins also starred as station porter Albert Perks in the 1970 classic The Railway Children and appeared in several other beloved shows.
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His death was announced by his agent today in a statement, and comes after that of his wife Gillian in October last year.
Gavin Barker Associates said: "Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away at the age of 93.
"His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like 'The Railway Children' and the 'Carry On' series, hit 60's song 'Right Said Fred', a notorious guest on 'Fawlty Towers' and narrating 'The Wombles'.
"He worked well into his 90's, recently appearing in 'Doctor Who' and the CBeebies series 'Old Jack's Boat'. He lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year.
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"Bernard's contribution to British entertainment is without question. He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him."
Cribbins became a household favourite thanks to his work on TV shows including The Wombles where he narrated all 60 episodes.
He also made more than 100 appearances on the classic children's TV show Jackanory.
The actor appeared in soap Coronation Street, Last of the Summer Wine and Fawlty Towers as a spoons salesman.
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Cribbins also had a role in the revamped Doctor Who as Wilfred Mott, the grandfather of the Doctor's companion Donna Noble, played by Catherine Tate.
He resurrected the role in 2007 alongside David Tennant as the Doctor and Kylie Minogue as his companion in a Christmas special.
As well as TV, Cribbins also had roles in several Carry On movies, the 1967 version of Casino Royale and in Alfred Hitchcock thriller Frenzy.
The versatile star even enjoyed a successful music career and had a number of hit records - including 1962 comedy songs, Hole In The Ground and Right Said Fred.
Hardworking Cribbins worked well into his 80s, previously joking: "I love it. I can't stop. Why should I?"
He married wife Gill in 1955 but tragically the pair struggled to conceive after suffering a miscarriage.
Pals described the pair as being "devoted" to each other, when her death was announced last year.
Cribbins was awarded an OBE in 2011 for services to drama and was also given the JM Barrie Award for his work on children's TV.
'LEGEND'
Tributes have flooded in for the veteran actor led by Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies.
He said: "I'm so lucky to have known him. Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world."
The Charlatans lead singer Tim Burgess wrote: "Farewell Bernard Cribbins. Safe travels."
TV channel Gold shared a picture of the actor in Fawlty Towers, saying: "Our thoughts go out to the family and friends of Bernard Cribbins, who sadly passed away at the age of 93.
"We'll be having a cheese salad for lunch, in honour of his memorable appearance in Fawlty Towers."
While actor Mark Gatiss said "there was no one quite like" Cribbins.
Gatiss, a writer for Doctor Who, added: "A gifted comic actor with an incredible seam of pathos and real heart.
"From Sellers to Star Turn, Wombles to Wilf.
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"I once gushed to him about his lovely performance in Hammer's She.
"That afternoon he was off to play 5 aside - aged almost 90."
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