Geoffrey Hayes, the host of the long-running children's TV programme Rainbow, has died at the age of 76.
The actor and TV presenter's manager Phil Dale confirmed the news to the Press Association, saying in a statement: "It is with great sadness that the family announce that Geoffrey passed away from pneumonia in hospital with his wife, Sarah, and son, Tom, by his side.
"The family would like to express their thanks to the many fans over the years as it always gave Geoffrey so much pleasure to know that he and his Rainbow team had given so much fun to TV and theatre audiences over the years.
"There will be no further comment at the moment and it would be appreciated if the privacy of Geoffrey's family is respected at this most difficult time."
Hayes appeared as the long-suffering adult guardian alongside puppets Zippy, George and Bungle in over 1,000 episodes of Rainbow from 1974 until 1992.
As well as hosting Rainbow, Hayes was also well known for his portrayal of Detective Constable Scatliff in the BBC TV series Z Cars.
He also appeared on programmes including Never Mind The Buzzcocks and Pointless Celebrities.
People have taken to Twitter to pay tribute to the late presenter and actor.
This is so sad, another face from our childhood, Rainbow presenter Geoffrey Hayes has passed away.
— 80s Kidz (@80s_Kidz) October 1, 2018
Thanks for giving this 80s kid some great memories 😪 pic.twitter.com/eqnYwV3eJ9
Goodbye to yet another part of our childhood 😢. Rainbow presenter Geoffrey Hayes dies aged 76 pic.twitter.com/EtoVSAVEwZ
— Tony Shepherd (@tonysheps) October 1, 2018
RIP #GeoffreyHayes - one of **the** best ever childrens’ TV show presenters. Thanks for all the early learning! What a legend. And a lovely bloke too. pic.twitter.com/BQUOlzCzL3
— David Hicks (@David_Hicks) October 1, 2018
R I P Geoffrey Hayes Rainbow Presenter Dies aged 76 Another Part of our Childhood as Gone.R I P Geoffrey 🌹🌹🌹 pic.twitter.com/kKrW3XJeaf
— colin spencer (@4bruce7) October 1, 2018
"Up above the streets and houses, Rainbow climbing high.
— Pulp Librarian (@PulpLibrarian) October 1, 2018
Everyone can see it smiling,
Over the sky.
Paint the whole world with a rainbow."
Farewell G-G-Geoffrey Hayes... pic.twitter.com/tKHVX1ZOzo
RIP Geoffrey Hayes. Rainbow was a joyful part of my childhood. Thanks for the memories. #rainbow pic.twitter.com/cVmBJabUqY
— Vintage1983 (@Vintage1983V) October 1, 2018
