Tributes have been paid to one of the stars of popular reality show The Call Centre, Richard Griffiths, who has died aged 53. Known to many as 'Griff' he was a well-known face in Swansea and loved by many for his comedic disposition. He sadly died on November 10.
Mr Griffiths was one of the standout characters of the BBC Three show, which followed the day-to-day goings on at the Swansea Enterprise Park-based company Save Britain Money. His popularity was in large part due to his many jokes and quips and the documentary even saw him leave his job to pursue his ambition of becoming a comedy promoter.
Mr Griffiths, who had four children, was also known for his history of comedy prank calls – one of which won a comedy award in Belgium. He was also known for his tireless work behind the scenes to grow Swansea Footgolf, located in Blackpill, which sees the games of football and golf combined across nine or 18 holes.
Mr Griffiths's brother, Craig Templeton, paying tribute on behalf of his family, said: "As a family we are grateful for the overwhelming love and kindness that has been shown by so many people. It is obvious to us all that he was so popular with so many people, and that he has left a lasting impression.
"His tireless work in supporting people who were sometimes struggling, and the efforts he put in to raising the profile and participation in footgolf will be recognised and appreciated by all. Richard was devoted to his four children and granddaughter, and his world revolved around them. He was a clever, funny and witty person. His many exploits are available for all to see - and with them are some great memories. He will be missed by all who knew him."
Reflecting on his time on the show and career change in an interview with us June 2013, Mr Griffiths had said: “Part of me was anxious about how I would come across on the programme but part of me didn’t care. I got on well with the people up there and I’m still in touch with a lot of them. But I’ve been working in call centres for a few years and I’ve always enjoyed comedy and decided it was time for something new."
A statement from FootGolf Association of Wales read: "We have to tell the footgolf world the devastating news that our own Richard Griffiths has passed away. Griff was a larger-than-life character that brought fun and joy to every tournament he attended. He was one of the game's biggest fans and worked tirelessly behind the scenes to grow the sport down at The Riviera in his beloved Swansea and contributed enormously on the national scene.
"He will be sadly missed by us here at FGAW but our loss, though massive, our thoughts are first and foremost with his family. RIP Griff. Tonight, for once, footgolf is definitely not the winner."
Hayley Pearce, known as Hayley the tea lady on the show, shared an old picture of the pair together on Twitter and expressed her sadness at hearing the news, referring to Mr Griffiths as a "Call Centre legend". Matthew Brandon, who was known as Chickenhead on the show, shared a tribute on Facebook which read: "Really can’t believe it, end of a legacy. Someone I learnt a lot from, my telesales wingman, a comedy genius, the only person I know that could actually make me laugh in stitches and make me spit my tea out everywhere. The laughs we had together I will always cherish forever, honestly can’t believe he’s gone. RIP Griff."
Ryan Pridmore, from the popular Ambition is Critical podcast, also paid tribute on social media. He wrote: "Incredibly sad to hear of the passing of one of Swansea's true characters. A genuinely laugh-out-loud funny man who was always a massive supporter of everything we did on The AiC Podcast and he always reminded me 'the greatest episode of them all was episode 23', which of course was the one he was on. He did amazing things for footgolf in Swansea over the last few years and I always enjoyed reading his write-ups about the previous weekend's footgolf adventure. Take it easy up there Griff."
READ NEXT:
- Nev Wilshire's best moments from The Call Centre that fans will never forget
- The Hayley Pearce Interview: From Call Centre to TV presenter but still wearing the 'Tea Lady' badge with pride
- £600 winter fuel payment: How to claim, who will get it and when payments will be made
- Send your messages of support to Wales as they head to the World Cup
- The legendary nightclubs of Mumbles where you could wrap up a night on the famous mile
