Teletubbies actor Tinky Winky, is dead

The actor behind children’s television show Tinky Winky in Teletubbies, is dead.

Simon Barnes

Simon Shelton Barnes (Tinky Winky), has died at the age of 52, just four days after celebrating his birthday. He was a trained ballet dancer and choreographer.

The father of three once described being in the Teletubbies as being “a bit like the Beatles or Take That of television.”

Shelton’s niece, Emily Atack, shared news of his passing on social media.

She wrote: “My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly. The kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by a who knew him, and will be forever. X”

Shelton played Tinky Winky between 1997 and 2001.

His funeral is scheduled to take place on the 7th February.