Comedian and radio host Roy Hudd has died
Roy Hudd OBE, who hosted BBC Radio 2’s The News Huddlines for 26 years, has died at the age of 83 after a short illness.
Roy’s first programme on the BBC was Workers’ Playtime in 1959, but he’s best known for his Radio 2 series The News Huddlines which ran from 1975 to 2001.
He appeared in many radio series over the years including, as one of the actors in The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and was part of many comedy series and dramas for BBC Radio 4.
Roy also appeared on Radio 2 for a week in April 2017 choosing the Tracks of my Years with Ken Bruce.
He was a comedian, a writer, music hall specialist and also known for his television acting – 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.
“The family would ask you to respect their privacy at this very sad time.”
Many of Roy’s colleagues and friends have paid tribute to him on Twitter.
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
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
Roy Hudd’s death is so sad. He was such fun, so funny & so talented. Here’s hoping there’s a heaven where he can be reunited with old friends like June Whitfield & meet all his heroes like the great Dan Leno. pic.twitter.com/lEiDwNLGiI
— Gyles Brandreth (@GylesB1) March 16, 2020
I had the great privilege of working with Roy Hudd. He was an absolute gent. A legend in his own lifetime. RIP Roy.
— Emma Kennedy (@EmmaKennedy) March 16, 2020
RIP Roy Hudd, 83.
A wonderfully versatile & very funny old school music hall entertainer.
Made millions of people laugh, which is a wonderful legacy. pic.twitter.com/X4Af2oJqxB— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) 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