© Gavin Barker Associates Bernard Cribbins dies at 93
'A legend has left the world'
Bernard Cribbins has died at the age of 93.
In some of the most enduring moments his seven-decade career, Cribbins narrated The Wombles, appeared in Doctor Who and The Railway Children and recorded the comic songs The Hole in the Ground and Right Said Fred.
Other comedy work included appearances in Carry On films, Fawlty Towers – playing spoon salesman Mr Hutchinson – Last of the Summer Wine and three series of his own sketch show in the 1960s, two for ITV and one for the BBC.
In Doctor Who he played the Time Lord’s companion Tom Campbell in the 1966 film Daleks' Invasion Earth 2150, returning 41 years later to play Wilfred Mott, the grandad of Catherine Tate's character Donna, in the BBC One series.
Former Doctor Who showrunner Russell T Davies led the tributes, posting on Instagram: ‘I'm so lucky to have known him. Thanks for everything, my old soldier. A legend has left the world.’
Cribbins' agents, Gavin Barker Associates, said: ‘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 on December 29 1928 in Oldham, Cribbins grew up close to poverty. He left school at 13 and found a job as an assistant stage manager at a local theatre club, where he also took some small acting roles, then joined the Oldham Repertory Theatre.
In 1947, he began national service with the Parachute Regiment and earned a General Service Medal for his service in Palestine.
Cribbins starred in a number of films from the early 1950s including Two-Way Stretch (1960), The Wrong Arm of the Law (1963) with Peter Sellers, Crooks in Cloisters (1964) alongside Barbara Windsor and three Carry On films – Carry On Jack (1963), Carry On Spying (1964) and Carry On Columbus (1992) .
Dramatic roles included The Railway Children (1970) as Albert Perks, the station porter and the Alfred Hitchcock thriller Frenzy (1972) – and his first Doctor Who appearance.
Cribbins made his West End debut in a 1956 production of A Comedy of Errors, and had brief recording career with three chart hits in 1962: The Hole In The Ground, Right Said Fred, and Gossip Calypso – the first two overseen by Beatles’ producer George Martin.
He was especially known for his voice work, from The Wombles in the 1970s to Tufty in road safety films and Post Office mascot Buzby. He also appeared in memorable adverts for Hornby model trains and Fray Bentos pies. He was the celebrity storyteller in more episodes of Jackanory than anybody else, with a total of 114 appearances between 1966 and 1991.
On TV he was twice given his own comedy sketch show, by the BBC in 1965 and ITV in 1969 – the latter running for two series. As well as Fawlty Towers other TV appearances include The Avengers, Worzel Gummidge, Coronation Street and the children’s series Old Jack's Boat.
In 2009, Cribbins was honoured for his work in children's television with a Special Award at the Bafta Children's Awards.
He was appointed an OBE in the 2011 Birthday Honours for services to drama.
Cribbins lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year. Although so closely linked to children's programmes, they were unable to have children of their own. In 2018, the actor revealed they 'lost one quite early on and that was the only time we got near it'.
» Bernard Cribbins' comedy legacy: some of his most memorable moments
Published: 28 Jul 2022
