Your tributes to the late Roy Hudd
We’ve been inundated with touching letters and heartfelt messages from readers in tribute to our much-missed columnist Roy Hudd. We’ve shed a tear or two reading them all; here are just a few…
I’ve read many wonderful and varied tributes to Roy Hudd recently but to us readers, we feel we know him best through his columns in Yours. He was such an absolute fount of all knowledge regarding music hall, the acts and comedians who gave us so much joy over the years. Roy was one of the last Great Entertainers, his ability to perform in front of an audience equally matched by the various roles he played on TV (I still think Audrey should have married Archie Shuttleworth!). My condolences to Debbie and my thanks to Yours for giving us the chance to share Roy’s good humour and wisdom for many years. Jean Power, London
I was very sad to hear about the passing of Roy Hudd. I loved his column and there was always something I remembered from my childhood. A very knowledgeable gentleman, what he didn’t know about music hall wasn’t worth knowing. He will be sadly missed. Our thoughts are with (as he called her), the lady wife.
God bless you Roy.
Alison Pople, Taunton, Somerset. My nan and granddad used to live in Croydon close to where Roy was brought up. Though I didn’t know him personally I felt I did, and he always seemed the perfect gentleman.
I send my condolences to his family and, wherever he is now, I am sure everyone is enjoying his stories.
Carol Smyth, Basingstoke
Roy was a lovely man. I knew him many years ago when he lived next door to a friend of mine. I last saw him with his wife at the Brick Lane Music Hall, at a Water Rats event.
I hope Debbie can take some comfort in knowing how many others hold Roy in their hearts.
Myrtle Barnett, Wallington, Surrey
How we will miss Roy! I knew him in his early days when he was a young Red Coat at the Clacton camp and I worked on reception. He was the life and soul of the party and the energy he put into the shows was amazing. He will be forever in my thoughts.
Joyce Thurston, Clacton
It’s so sad to have lost not only a great comedian but also a real gentleman. Roy wrote a bit about my dad a few years ago in his column. Dad had been an amateur actor and his mother (my grandmother) had been in showbiz back in the Twenties. It was lovely to see Dad’s face light up when he read the article. Sadly Dad died in 2015 aged 94. Perhaps now he and Roy can reminisce together about the ‘good old days’. Joan Hendley, Bexleyheath For years my wife and I have read Roy’s brilliant column in Yours – in fact it was always the first page I turned to. Roy always had great wit, appreciation of his fellow performers and wise and comforting words to say. Thank you Roy for the happiness and joy you brought to the world.
Peter and Elaine Holmes, Cumbria
My friend and I went on the same holiday to York as Roy and his lovely wife. He was friendly, kind, sincere and very funny. No airs and graces – just there for good holiday fun. My heart goes out to Debbie, and I will really miss his column in Yours magazine.
Margie Watts
I had the pleasure of seeing Roy at the Harlow Playhouse. A brilliant performer and genuinely nice man – he made time to speak to everyone who waited for a word. I enjoyed the News Huddlines and his column in Yours too. And I hope Debbie can gain some comfort from knowing how much people liked him. Christine Old
Reading Roy’s column always cheered me up. He was always so upbeat and funny – just what we all need right now. Thank you for all the joy you brought us. C McLaren