British actor, Simon Shelton Barnes, who played purple Tinky Winky in the BBC children’s series, Teletubbies, has suddenly died at the age of 52.
The father-of-three from Ampthill, Bedfordshire who was one of the four characters in the British television series had trained as a ballet dancer and choreographer before taking on the role in the BBC show.
His son Henry confirmed the sad event in a Facebook post saying: ‘I lost my lovely dad on Wednesday, he was the kindest and most gentle man I knew and I love him more than anything.
‘I always used to be embarrassed as a child that he was a dancer and an actor but now I couldn’t be more proud.
‘He is in a better place now and I know he wouldn’t want me to be sad, so I’m going to live my life the way he would want me to.’
Mr. Barnes, whose character was known for carrying a handbag, was married to actress Emma Robbins. He was also the brother-in-law of Poldark actor Robert Daws and uncle of ‘Inbetweeners’ star Emily Atack
His Fans and several celebrities have all taken to social media to mourn the actor.
Also paying tribute to him was singer Paul McCartney’s brother Mike McGear,a cousin of Mr. Barnes’s former wife Emma.
Mr. McGear wrote on Facebook: ‘So sad to hear about Si. He was a lovely lad… and will be dancing along Uncle Bills bar, knocking Mum and Dad, Milly and Ginny, Mike and Betts drinks off, as we talk! Love to you and kids from me and mine.’
Teletubbies star Simon Shelton dies suddenly at 52, just four days after his birthdayActress, Emily Atack also wrote on Instagram: ‘My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly. ‘The kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by all who knew him, and will be forever.’
According to Daily Mail, his funeral will hold at Bedford Crematorium in a fortnight’s time on February 7, and his family has asked mourners to ‘wear bright colours’.
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