Bodger and Badger creator dies

Entertainer Andy Cunningham, who was best known as the creator and star of children’s TV show Bodger And Badger, has died at the age of 67.

Cunningham played handyman Simon Bodger in the series and voiced his companion, a talking badger with a love for mashed potatoes.

He died of cancer at Royal Sussex County Hospital on Monday, his sister, Tessa, said.

Ms Cunningham said: “Andy lived to be loved and to make people laugh – starting with me, his little sister. He had a quicksilver brain, a rebellious attitude, boundless compassion particularly for the underdog, unstinting levels of generosity and, of course, a passion for mashed potato.

“I adored him and, long before he found fame, was immensely proud to have the funniest, cleverest big brother in the universe.”

Born on 13 May, 1950, Cunningham read English at Cambridge University.

He gave comedian Julian Clary his first job when he was writing and directing shows for the Covent Garden Community Theatre Group and the pair remained friends.

He also worked as a puppeteer in the Star Wars film Return of the Jedi.