Oldham-born actor Bernard Cribbins has died at the age of 93

Oldham-born actor Bernard Cribbins has died aged 93.

The actor was born in Derker in 1928, and enjoyed a career that lasted over seven decades.

Amongst his most memorable roles was as Albert Perks in the original The Railway Children film in 1971, and a number of roles in the classic Carry On movies.

Cribbins was also the voice of The Wombles on television in the 1970s and a regular reader on BBC's Jackanory for over 25 years.

A statement from Gavin Barker Associates said: "His career spanned seven decades with such diverse work ranging from films like The Railway Children and the Carry On series, hit 60s song Right Said Fred, a notorious guest on Fawlty Towers and narrating The Wombles.

"He worked well into his 90s, recently appearing in Doctor Who and the CBeebies series Old Jack's Boat.

"He lost his wife of 66 years, Gill, last year.

"Bernard's contribution to British entertainment is without question. He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him."

Cribbins left school at the age of 13 and found a job as an assistant stage manager at a local theatre club, where he also took some small acting roles, before completing an an apprenticeship at the Oldham Repertory Theatre (Oldham Coliseum).   

It was here where Cribbins met his wife, Gillian McBarnett. They married in 1955 and remained together until her death last year.

He shared in an interview in 2018 that they struggled to have children.

Bernard told the Mirror: “We lost one quite early on and that was the only time we got near it.

“That was a long time ago now. It’s just one of those things and I consider myself very fortunate to have been given a job like Jackanory, which has been wonderfully popular and gives you a very warm feeling to think of all those who watched it as a child.”

He published an autobiography in 2018 reflecting on his decades in show business.

Its title was 'Bernard Who? 75 Years Of Doing Absolutely Everything'.

Chris Lawson, Artistic Director and Susan Wildman, Chief Executive, at Oldham Coliseum Theatre paid tribute to the actor this morning:

“We are very sorry to hear about the passing of Bernard Cribbins. Bernard was involved at the Coliseum in the 40s and 50s as an actor and Assistant Stage Manager with Oldham Rep, where he appeared in shows with other legendary Rep actors including Jean Alexander.

"He is fondly remembered by those who knew him during his time at The Rep and it is heartening to know that his talent will live on through his catalogue of work on screens throughout the decades.”

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