Despite what the internet says

Dad’s Army star Bill Pertwee has become the subject of hurtful internet rumours that he died at the age of 86.

The comic actor, who played air raid warden Hodges and is also the last surviving cast member of radio series Round The Horne, was reported to have died by the British Comedy Guide website this morning.

The story – although unsubstantiated – then circulated wildly on Twitter. Among those taken in were Doctor Who actor Colin Baker, who said: ‘Just heard about Bill Pertwee - lovely man - did a play with him - he was a true gent. V sad.’

And comic Toby Hadoke, who also posted an RIP message, quickly realised his mistake and added: ‘Rumours of Bill Pertwee's death - not started by me but certainly propagated - are not true, it turns out. Good news posted with contrition!’

And fellow stand-up Dominic Woodward posted: ‘Bill Pertwee is not dead! Excellent news let joy and celebration fill the land - may jubilation reign.’

The rumours spread less than a month after the death of Clive Dunn. However Pertwee remains one of only three surviving members of the Dad’s Army cast alongside 66-year-old Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike and 81-year-old Frank Williams, who played Reverend Timothy Farthing.

Bill Cosby –  himself the target of many internet rumours of his death – has previously spoken about the heartache such false, unsubstantiated reports caused among his friends and family.

Published: 1 Dec 2012