The performer best known for playing Tinky Winky on childrens show The Teletubbies has died.

Friends and family of Simon Shelton Barnes confirmed he died suddenly last Wednesday, just four days after his 52nd birthday.

Father-of-three Simon Shelton Barnes, who lived in the Georgian market town of Ampthill, Bedfordshire, was well-known for his role as the purple teletubby but trained as a dancer and choreographer.