Tinky Winky star ‘freezes to death’ after falling in the street
SIMON Barnes, who played Teletubby Tinky Winky, has been found dead on a city street, aged 52.
THE actor who played Tinky Winky on the Teletubbies has been found dead in a street – believed frozen to death.
Simon Shelton Barnes, 52, collapsed and was discovered unconscious at 7.30am last Wednesday. It is understood he spent some of the night out in the open and may have died of hypothermia.
The dad-of-three played the purple Teletubby who carried a handbag in the hugely popular BBC Two show from 1997 to 2001.
Co-star John Simmit, who played green Dipsy, led tributes yesterday. He tweeted: “RIP Simon Shelton aka Tinky Winky: remembering the many good times. Rest easy.” Simon was the brother-in- law of Poldark actor Robert Daws and uncle of Inbetweeners and Dancing on Ice star Emily Atack, 28, who said: “My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly.” Describing him as the “kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet”, Emily added: “Loved by all who knew him, and will be forever.” Simon’s son Henry also paid tribute online saying: “I lost my lovely dad on Wednesday, he was the kindest and most gentle man I knew.” Simon trained as a ballet dancer and choreographer and was initially reluctant to take on the Tinky Winky role. In an earlier interview he said: “I thought it was a bit of a risky move, but it certainly paid off. We used to receive a lot of fan mail from kids and parents.”
Simon was not the original Tinky Winky and only got the job after his predecessor Dave Thompson was sacked.
Simon said he was frequently asked about his character’s sexuality because of his distinctive handbag. He said: “People always ask me if Tinky Winky is gay. But the character is supposed to be a three-yearold, so the question is really quite silly.”
Simon lived for many years in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. However he recently left to live with a girlfriend in Liverpool and was discovered on the street in the city centre.
A resident in Ampthill, who knew Simon, said: “We don’t know many details, but we understand he collapsed in the street and possibly died of hypothermia.”