Versatile entertainer Andy Cunningham has died. He was 67.

Among other things he was a magician and puppeteer best known for his work on BBC children's comedy Bodger & Badger. He created the series, from concept to script to designing the puppets. Cunningham played handyman Simon Bodger, whose badly behaved companion was a talking badger who wore a red beret and loved mashed potatoes. He also did the voice of Badger. The programme ran from 1989 to 1999.



Cunningham also played multiple roles in Star Wars: Return of the Jedi including Ephant Mon.

He would also perform live with a three-headed creation called Freeman, Hardy & Willis.

Comedian Charmian Hughes paid tribute to Cunningham on Facebook: "So sad to hear Andy Cunningham has died. I first met him doing his magic show when I was being a terrible clown at the same event and we were near neighbours in Islington. He was so sweet and kind and full of advice. I had quite a pash on him but my dog Arthur weed on him when he came to dinner, so put paid to that. I last saw him at the Brighton fringe about three years ago and he was very mischievous in my audience. Actually, he was my audience. RIP sweet man."

Comedian/actor Andre Vincent worked with him on Bodger & Badger. He wrote: "He let me be his baddy in his TV show and I played Sidney Fudgepocket...I loved him and his crazy creations. Big love brother and I will truly miss you. X"

Watch a clip of Cunningham in Bodger & Badger here.