Oldham-born veteran actor Bernard Cribbins has tragically passed away at the age of 93.
Cribbins was best known for his role as the narrator for The Wombles, alongside the 1970 film adaptation of The Railway Children and Doctor Who. He also struck a fascination with a high number of young audiences all across the nation by also having more than 100 appearances on Jackanory.
He made his film debut in 1957's Davy after appearing on the stage for many years prior. He would go on to work with some of British cinema's top names such as Two-Way Stretch, She, Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150AD and the 1967 release of Casino Royale, the Mirror reports.
Read more: Armed thugs arrested after attack on security staff at Arndale centre
Off-screen, Cribbins also enjoyed a successful musical career and managed to garner some hit record such as the 1962 comedy songs Hole In The Ground and Right Said Fred - both of which made the UK singles chart top 10. In 2011, he received an OBE for services to drama throughout his lengthy career.
He also became well known after taking on the role of Wilfred Mott in the Doctor Who TV series, appearing alongside Catherine Tate who played Donna Noble.
BBC News Correspondent Lizo Mzimba was among the first to pay tribute to the late star, tweeting: "Bernard Cribbins has died at the age of 93. From the Wombles to Wilf in Doctor Who he entertained generation after generation. A genuine national treasure #RIPBernardCribbins."
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 next:
