Last of the Summer Wine actor Peter Sallis dies at the age of 96

Last of the Summer Wine actor Peter Sallis, who was also famous as the voice of Wallace in Wallace and Gromit, has died aged 96, his agents have announced.

Jonathan Altaras Associates released a statement saying: “It is with sadness that we announce that our client Peter Sallis died peacefully, with his family by his side, at Denville Hall on Friday, 2 June.”

Mr Sallis became a household name in the UK as mildmannered Norman Clegg in the comedy Last Of The Summer Wine, Britain’s longest- 0 Peter Sallis died with his family by his side running sitcom. But his role playing loveable inventor Wallace in Nick Park’s animated films made his voice known around the world.

Sallis played Norman “Cleggy” Clegg in Last of the Sum- mer Wine from its first episode in 1973 until the series concluded in 2010. He was the only actor to appear in all 295 episodes.

Wallace and Gromit creator Nick Park described Sallis as a “unique character”. In a statement, Park said: “I’m so sad, but feel so grateful and privileged to have known and worked with Peter over so many years. He was always my first and only choice for Wallace.

“Peter had naturally funny bones and was a great storyteller and raconteur off stage too and would keep us amused for hours.”