Television star best known for playing Barry Stuart-Hargreaves has died of blood cancer

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

Barry Howard, the star of the BBC sitcom Hi-de-Hi, has died aged 78.

The actor was best known for playing Barry Stuart-Hargreaves in the show.

Facebook Twitter Pinterest Barry Howard. Photograph: Stephen Kelly/PA

A statement from his friend and agent, Sharry Clark, said: “The much-loved actor Barry Howard, best known for his exquisitely supercilious Barry Stuart-Hargreaves, the champion ballroom dancer in BBC’s hugely popular Hi-de-Hi, passed away today aged 78.”

Howard had had blood cancer for some time, Clark said.



The actor starred as the dance instructor in the summer camp TV show from 1980-86. He later had a guest role as Oliver Barnes in the Doctor Who Christmas special in 2009.

Born in Nottingham, Howard began his career in the theatre and later appeared regularly in pantomime.

The CBeebies presenter Chris Jarvis, who appeared in a show with him, paid tribute on Twitter, saying: “So sad to hear Barry Howard has died. A real gent and incredibly funny off stage too. Happy days in Bournemouth with him and Su Pollard.”

He added: “His scenes in Hi-de-Hi were such high quality, full of pathos as well as hilarious - RIP Barry Howard.”