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Entertainer Andy Cunningham, who was best known as the creator and star of children's TV show Bodger And Badger, has died at the age of 67.



Cunningham played handyman Simon Bodger in the series and voiced his companion, a beret-wearing talking badger with a love for mashed potatoes.

(Image: BBC)

The show first aired in 1989 and continued throughout the Nineties, with Andy's handyman Bodger becoming a favourite children's TV character.

He died of cancer at Royal Sussex County Hospital on Monday, his sister Tessa told the Press Association.

She said: "'Andy lived to be loved and to make people laugh - starting with me, his little sister.

"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.

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

The magician and puppeteer's friends have been paying tribute on Facebook.

Comedian Charmian Hughes wrote: "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."

As well as his children's TV work, Andy starred in the Star Wars film Return Of The Jedi in multiple roles, including Ephant Mon.

Born on May 13 1950, Cunningham read English at Cambridge University before finding fame on children's television.

He gave comedian Julian Clary his first job when he was writing and directing shows for the Covent Garden Community Theatre Group and the pair remained friends.

Cunningham was in a long-term relationship with Jane Bassett, who played Mousey in Bodger and Badger.

While the couple separated many years ago, they remained close friends and she was with him when he died, along with his sister and nieces.