Star of Don't Wait up and father of Fern

Tony Britton the star of the long-running sitcom Don’t Wait Up has died at the age of 95.

His daughter, the TV presenter Fern Britton, announced the news today.

She wrote on Twitter: ‘Great actor, director and charmer. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest.’’

The Birmingham-born actor starred alongside Nigel Havers and Dinah Sheridan in the BBC comedy Don't Wait Up from 1983 to 1990. He played a Harley Street consultant  who moves in with his adult son, played by Nigel Havers, after the breakdown of their respective marriages.

He also appeared in the 1977-1981 ITV sitcom Robin’s Nest as the father-in law of Richard O'Sullivan's title character 

His career also encompassed British films from the 1950s onwards, including Operation Amsterdam (1959), Sunday Bloody Sunday (1971) and The Day of the Jackal (1973).

Among those paying tribute today were Ever Decreasing Circles star Peter Egan who wrote: 'Very sad to see the passing of the legend Tony Britton. A wonderful actor and light comedian. Condolences to his family. A lovely man too.’

Actor Nicholas Pegg added: ‘Raising a glass to the great Tony Britton. When I was 13, I saw him play Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady. He was brilliant, and fuelled my ambition to be an actor. Ten years later, he presented me with my diploma on the day I graduated from drama school. Still giddy at that honour.’

Addressing Tony's daughter,  Sanjeev Bhaskar added: 'Profound condolences Fern and gratitude for the joy and entertainment your dad brought to me and millions of others. Sending love and strength.'

Here's a clip from Don't Wait Up:

Published: 22 Dec 2019