Bodger and Badger star Andy Cunningham dies aged 67 Published duration 7 June 2017

image copyright PA image caption Andy Cunningham played handyman Simon Bodger

Andy Cunningham, the creator of children's TV show Bodger and Badger, has died from cancer at the age of 67.

He also starred in the BBC show, in which he played handyman Simon Bodger and provided the voice for the beret-wearing badger that loved mashed potato.

Mr Cunningham died at the Royal Sussex County Hospital in Brighton on Monday.

His sister Tessa said he "lived to be loved and to make people laugh, starting with me, his little sister".

'Funniest big brother'

Mr Cunningham, who read English at Cambridge, gave comedian Julian Clary his first job when he was writing and directing for the Covent Garden Community Theatre Group, and he worked as a puppeteer in the Star Wars film Return of the Jedi.

"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," Ms Cunningham said.

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

Mr Cunningham's former partner and close friend Jane Bassett was with him when he died, along with his sister and nieces.

Ms Bassett played Mousey in Bodger and Badger, which ran on the BBC from 1989 to 1999.

Tributes have been paid on Twitter to Mr Cunningham.

Allo Allo and Emmerdale actress Vicki Michelle said: "RIP Andy Cunningham. Sad news. Such a legend on children's TV #bodgerandbadger."

DJ and presenter Paul Manners‏ said: "Rest In Peace legendary childhood icon Andy Cunningham. #BodgerAndBadger #CBBC #MashedPotato."

Singer songwriter Dean Boroczky from Worthing, West Sussex, who appeared on The Voice, wrote: "Aww RIP Andy Cunningham. Bodger and Badger was literally my childhood".

@ChrisW_Theatre tweeted the BBC "Lovely tribute from his sister", while Lesley Coutts said: "Loved this show x will be sadly missed xx RIP".

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