Children's TV star and entertainer Bernard Cribbins has died aged 93, his agent said.
The veteran actor starred in the Carry On films, Doctor Who and the 1970 film The Railway Children. He was the narrator of all 60 episodes of The Wombles.
Cribbins' agent, Gavin Barker Associates, said in a statement: "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 60’s song Right Said Fred, a notorious guest on Fawlty Towers and narrating The Wombles.
"He worked well into his 90’s, 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."
Born in Oldham, Cribbins was revered for his versatility and became a favourite with young audiences all over the country as the narrator of The Wombles, as well as for more than 100 appearances on the children's favourite, Jackanory.
After appearing on stage for many years, Cribbins made his film debut in 1957’s Davy, before going on to work alongside some of British cinema’s biggest names in films such as Two-Way Stretch, She, Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 AD, the 1967 version of Casino Royale and Frenzy.
He also starred in several Carry On movies and had roles in TV favourites Coronation Street and the revamped Doctor Who.
Off-screen Cribbins enjoyed a successful musical career and had a number of hit records including 1962 comedy songs, Hole In The Ground and Right Said Fred, both of which reached the UK singles chart top 10.
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Arguably one of the roles he is most famous for was as station porter Albert Perks in The Railway Children, released in 1970.
More recently, reports said Cribbins had been spotted filming for Doctor Who's 60th anniversary celebrations.
Source: Press Association
