Benidorm and Emmerdale actor Bobby Knutt has died aged 71.
The Sheffield-born comedian, who starred as Eddie Dawson in Benidorm, passed away while on holiday in France.
‘Knutty’ as he was affectionately known, had a long career on the stage, also appearing in Coronation Street as garage boss Ron Sykes and voicing many TV adverts, his best known for Tetley tea.
The comedian also hosted a request show on BBC Radio Sheffield during the 1990s.
Benidorm’s creator Derren Litten broke the news about the death of Bobby Knutt (pictured)
Bobby Knutt, who starred as Albert Dingle in Emmerdale (centre) has died aged 71
The actor was married to Donna Hartley, hailed the ‘golden girl’ of British athletics at the 1980 Olympics, who died while sunbathing in the couple’s garden in Barnsley in 2013. The couple are pictured together at their wedding in January 1986
His agent Tim Scott confirmed the actor died this morning in France where he was on holiday.
Benidorm’s creator Derren Litten paid tribute to Knutt today, who played Eddie Dawson on the hit British sitcom.
He tweeted: ‘Very sad Benidorm news guys. The wonderful Bobby Knutt has passed away suddenly aged 71. Sending our Beni love to his family.’
The Benidorm TV show account tweeted: ‘Benidorm star and Sheffield legend Bobby Knutt passes away aged 71. Good night Knutty, your Benidorm family loves you. X’.
Tony Maudsley, who plays Kenneth on the show, tweeted: ‘Take a bow Grandad Dawson. Your Benidorm family will miss you. RIP Bobby Knutt x’
Knutt played Albert Dingle in ITV soap Emmerdale. He first found fame on The Comedians and went on to appear in Last of the Summer Wine, All Creatures Great & Small, Our Friends in the North and Heartbeat.
The actor was married to Donna Hartley, hailed the ‘golden girl’ of British athletics at the 1980 Olympics, who died while sunbathing in the couple’s garden in Barnsley in 2013.
The 58-year-old former 400 metres runner was found by Knutt lying on a sun lounger in a bikini.
Actor Bobby Knutt, who played Albert Dingle in Emmerdale, has died aged 71
Benidorm actor Jake Canuso paid tribute to Knutt today saying he’ll be ‘dearly missed’
Louis Emerick, who played Benidorm’s Norman the Doorman for two years between 2014 and 2016, was also touched by the news.
He remembered how the star offered him words of ‘reassurance’ when he was struggling with nerves ahead of an audition in Sheffield in 1986.
He posted: ‘I never forgot that moment! Lovely to have met him 30yrs later @BenidormTVshow Rip.’
The official Twitter account of the ITV soap also paid tribute to the star who appeared between 1995 and 2004.
The short post included a sad face and a kiss and read: ‘Thinking of you, Al.’