Tellybuddy ‘Tinky-Winky’ Actor Simon Shelton Barnes Dies- Tributes Pour

Simon Shelton Barnes aka “Tinky Winky” died on January 17, just four days before his 52nd birthday. Locals claiming he had collapsed in the street and died of hypothermia. Simon’s niece, Emily Atack confirmed the news on Instagram on Tuesday saying "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 all who knew him, and will be forever. X," she wrote. John Simmit, the green Tellytubby Dipsy, said "What a week! RIP Simon Shelton aka Tinky Winky: remembering the many good times. Rest easy. "Lots of messaging between cast and crew as we became a tight bunch over six years on location. We'll give him an appropriate send off in a couple of weeks," later added by John.

Tinky Winky was counted as the leading and oldest group of Teletubbies. The Teletubbies were a huge hit after airing on March 31, 1997 on BBC2. News of Simon's death ended Tinky Winky annulled at the Toy Fair 2018.

Barnes was the character with the purple outfit and a triangular antenna on his head and always seen carrying a red bag.

Barnes’s daughter posted inconsolable message on Facebook: "I love you so much Dad... always have, always will. The most beautiful man in the world." She also posted a series of photographs paying tribute to the daddy. Simon’s son Henry wrote: “I lost my lovely dad on Wednesday, he was the kindest and most gentle man I knew and I love him more than anything!!!!

Just before death, Simon posted on his Facebook page: “I'm on the fabulous Wirral and had a fantastic Christmas Day lunch with Jude and her extra ordinary Dad, Ken. Hope you're all Happy and Healthy xxx.”

(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jan 24, 2018 12:09 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).