BBC Radio 2 presenter, actor and comedian Roy Hudd OBE has died at the age of 83.
Roy started on the BBC in 1959 with his own programme Workers’ Playtime and is best known for his Radio 2 series The News Huddlines which ran from 1975 to 2001.
He was also one of the actors in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and other radio series over the years and has been part of many comedy series and dramas for BBC Radio 4.
Roy appeared on Radio 2 for a week in April 2017 choosing the Tracks of my Years with Ken Bruce.
He was a friend of the hospital radio service in Bristol, officially opening their studios in 1994, and the first Honorary President of Sandwell Hospital Radio
He’s also known for his television work – including Coronation Street, One Foot in the Grave, Casualty and Ashes to Ashes.
A statement from his agent said: “We are sad to announce the passing of the much-loved and amazingly talented Roy Hudd OBE.
“After a short illness, Roy passed away peacefully on Sunday 15 March, with his wife Debbie at his side.”
Note to Roy Hudd: Dear Roy, Thank you so much for being such a wonderful human being on my very first Big Summer season show; Festival Theatre Paignton 1976, as the new kid on the block. I didn’t have a clue and you helped and guided me. pic.twitter.com/TSAt257NlQ
— Michael Barrymore (@MrBarrymore) March 16, 2020
A few years ago, we asked @SandiToksvig who she'd like too interview for our series Chain Reaction. Without hestitation, she chose Roy Hudd: "He is a man who makes any room light up by his mere presence." https://t.co/PtTaHfzVzc
— BBC Radio 4 (@BBCRadio4) March 16, 2020
Bravo, Roy Hudd. I hope you can hear the applause thundering in your ears. What a turn. What an archive. What company.
Now you can give Max Miller his hat back. pic.twitter.com/zTJq0M5f0p— Danny Baker (@prodnose) March 16, 2020
Roy Hudd was a comic genius but more than that he was one of the nicest people in show business. At least the heavens will be rocking with laughter.
— Sandi Toksvig (@sanditoksvig) March 16, 2020
Words cannot express how much many of us in the entertainment business owe to Roy Hudd, whose death has just been announced. Roy was an inspiration and mentor to so many up-and-coming writers, performers and producers, one of the great comedic talents. /thread pic.twitter.com/URSl7cAPz6
— Dirk Maggs (@DirkMaggs) March 16, 2020
Roy Hudd (16 May 1936 – 15 March 2020) R.I.P pic.twitter.com/Fzmdjq09fT
— ??? Classic British TV ??? (@Classicbritcom) March 16, 2020
The lovely Roy Hudd embodied a whole strand of the DNA of British comedy, from music hall and variety to pantomime and stand-up. A living museum, full of joy, humour and enthusiasm. A great life and a great loss.
— Rory Bremner (@rorybremner) March 16, 2020
Very,Very sad news that one of The True Greats of The Business,the wonderful Roy Hudd has taken his final curtain call.
He was a hugely talented link to the past of Music Hall & Variety and a lovely, lovely man.
No False Tabs !
❤️— Ted Robbins (@TedRobbins55) March 16, 2020
So sad to hear about Roy Hudd worked with him on many occasions, a true star.
— Steve Allen (@steveallenshow) March 16, 2020
I worked with Roy Hudd and he always made me feel like he literally loved me, and I loved him. He also told the best ever Ken Dodd stories and I’m so sorry I’ll never see him again. Fare forward lovely Roy you wonderful man xxxx #RoyHudd
— Jane Slavin (@JaneSlavin) March 16, 2020
We are very sad to learn of the passing of Equity trustee Roy Hudd. A gifted actor and comedian, and a staunch supporter of the union and his fellow members’ rights, he will be greatly missed by all who knew him. pic.twitter.com/1Wq3oMjN9C
— Equity (@EquityUK) March 16, 2020
Roy Hudd.
Total bloody legend.
Adored The News Huddlines on Radio 2 when I was a kid.
Still remember this daft two-liner gag about The Daily Star when it launched.
'The owners say it'll be a northern paper for northern folk. So there'll be a topless black pudding on page 3'
— Lee Thompson (@leethommo) March 16, 2020
Radiodays Europe is happening in March 2025 - use code RTY25ATH to get a discount and join us in Athens! More..
Posted on Monday, March 16th, 2020 at 11:55 am by Roy Martin