Phillip Schofield has shared his own personal tribute following the news Bernard Cribbins had died. It was announced on Thursday morning (July 28) that the children’s TV star has died aged 93. The veteran actor, from Oldham, starred in the Carry On films, Doctor Who and the 1970 film The Railway Children.
A statement from 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 60s song Right Said Fred, a notorious guest on Fawlty Towers and narrating The Wombles.
"He worked well into his 90s, recently appearing in Doctor Who and the CBeebies series Old Jack’s Boat. He lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year. 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."
READ MORE: ITV Coronation Street's Millie Gibson says she 'wants hug' from co-star as she's 'suffering'
Tributes have been flooding in for the star, including from the team at Doctor Who who have marked Bernard Cribbins' 'long legacy'. Cribbins starred as Wilfred Mott in the sci-fi show from 2007-2010. They tweeted: “We are extremely saddened to learn of the passing of Bernard Cribbins. Known best to Doctor Who fans as the Doctor’s friend and Donna’s grandad Wilfred Mott, Bernard leaves behind a long legacy in film and TV."
Comedian and actor Matt Lucas has described Bernard Cribbins as a “brilliantly talented man”. He tweeted a picture of him and Cribbins, saying: “Thank you Bernard Cribbins for delighting us all. A lovely, funny, brilliantly talented man." Musical theatre star Elaine Paige was also among the people paying tribute to Cribbins, saying on Twitter that she was “so very sad” that her “dear pal” had died. She added: “We met on Anything Goes & kept our ‘Friendship’ for over 33 yrs. A very special man of many talents. Funny, kind, genuine, always had a smile on his face & a quip. One of the good guys. I will miss him so very much. RIP."
This Morning presenter Phillip has also shared his own message. He posted a throwback picture of the pair to his Instagram Story. It showed the TV star without his trademark silver locks with them appearing to be outside wearing headphones.
"I'm so sad that my wonderful and achingly funny friend Bernard Cribbins has died," the 60-year-old penned. He added: "The only person my dad was impressed that I knew. RIP Cribbins."
Coronation Street fans have also recalled when the actor appeared in the ITV soap. @ChrisAnstey74 tweeted: "Bernard Cribbins in #Corrie," alongside a 90-second clip of the scene where he made a cameo opposite Kate Ford, who plays Tracy Barlow, her mum Diedre, played by the late Anne Kirkbride, and Archie Shuttleworth, who was portrayed by the late Roy Hudd.
Responding to the clip, @FreshcoSurvival tweeted: "Brilliant, just posted the clip where Wally invites Tracy over....so funny." Cribbins joined Corrie at the age of 73 back in 2003 as Wally Bannister, an ageing romeo who falls for the street's resident nagger Blanche Hunt when she was on the rebound from undertaker Archie. She brought him back to 1 Coronation Street where he met Ken and Deirdre.
However, he soon met Tracy and Wally made his attraction towards her very clear. The two soon started to "date" in secret with Tracy enjoying the champagne lifestyle that Wally's riches brought her. Wally took Tracy to his house where she changed into a revealing swimming costume and made use of the pool. However, they were soon caught by Archie and Deidre with the latter entering into a struggle with her daughter before they both ended up in the pool.
READ NEXT:
- ITV Coronation Street fans 'work out' Aaron's secret after revealing horrific bruising
- ITV Coronation Street fans stunned by Jack Webster's age as he undergoes 'personality change'
- ITV Coronation Street fans can't handle the stress during 'weird' episode as Kevin loses it
- ITV Coronation Street star Jamie Kenna 'gutted' over goodbye message as he officially exits soap as Phill Whittaker
- ITV Coronation Street star Jack P Shepherd looks happier than ever with gorgeous girlfriend
