Comedy star 'contracted Covid' on top of cancer

Tributes have been paid to Scottish comedy star Andy Gray, who has died at the age of 61.

The entertainer, a mainstay of the Edinburgh theatre scene and a regular pantomime performer, is reported to have contracted Covid. 

He also had a rare type of blood cancer called myelodysplastic syndrome, which affects the bone marrow.

Gray, who  trained in Drama at Edinburgh’s Queen Margaret University, started his career the BBC Radio Scotland sketch show Naked Radio, and its TV counterpart Naked Video, alongside the likes of Gregor Fisher, Elaine C. Smith, Tony Roper, Helen Lederer and Jonathan Watson.

He then went on to star as Chancer, one of the lead characters in the Glasgow-based sitcom  City Lights, which rand from from 1984 to 1991.

In 2016 he joined Scottish soap opera River City, playing Pete Galloway, stepping down in 2018 because of his health issues. 

Steve Carson, director of BBC Scotland, said: ‘We are deeply saddened by the news that one of Scotland's much loved comedy actors and close friend to many at BBC Scotland, Andy Gray has passed away.
‘On screen and in person he could always make you laugh and was one of the kindest people to have around on any production. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.’

His panto co-star Allan Stewart said: ‘Stewart said: "Today a light went out in my life. My pal and panto partner Andy Gray has left the building. 
‘We have been working together for over 20 years and I will remember him for all the laughs we’ve had, on and off the stage. He was loved by so many people and I will miss him with all my heart.’

Still Game's Sanjeev Kohli tweeted: ‘Andy Gray was a huge presence. Huge heart, huge brain, huge spirit, huge passion. And he will be hugely missed.’

Trainspotting star Robert Carlyle added: ‘RIP Andy Gray.  One of the loveliest, sweetest, funniest actors i ever had the pleasure to work with. So sad and such huge loss to his loving family and friends.’
 

Published: 18 Jan 2021