'I love you so much dad': Daughter pays touching tribute to Tinky Winky actor following sudden death

The daughter of Teletubbies actor Simon Shelton Barnes has described him as “the most beautiful man in the world” following his death. 

Lydia Barnes released the loving tribute to her father, who was best known for playing the purple teletubby Tinky Winky on the popular children's TV show, who died suddenly at the age of 52 last week.

“I love you so much dad,” she said. “Always have, always will. The most beautiful man in the world. Forever in my heart.”

The father-of-three was found dead in the Mann Island area of Liverpool by the north-west city’s waterfront on January 17 at approximately 7.30am.

A spokesperson for Merseyside Police said his death was “non-suspicious” and had been referred to the coroner’s court.

Simon Shelton Barnes - Credit: Instagram/ Emily Atack Official
Simon Shelton Barnes, best known for playing Tinky Winky in The Teletubbies, has died aged 52 Credit: Instagram/ Emily Atack Official

Friends, family and colleagues also paid tribute to Mr Barnes, who played Tinky Winky between 1998 and 2001 on the show seen by around one billion children in over 100 countries after launching in 1997.

His son, Henry, posted on Facebook: “I lost my lovely dad on Wednesday, he was the kindest and most gentle man I knew and I love him more than anything!!!!

“I always used to be embarrassed as a child that he was a dancer and an actor but now I couldn’t be more proud! He is in a better place now and I know he wouldn’t want me to be sad, so I’m going to live my life the way he would want me to.”

John Simmit, who played Dipsy on the show, posted: “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.”

The CBeebies for Grown-Ups Twitter account posted: “Very sad to hear #Teletubbies actor Simon Shelton who played Tinky Winky has passed away!”

Mr Barnes, who also trained as a ballet dancer and choreographer, also played the Dark Knight in CBBC show Incredible Games.

 The Teletubbies - Credit: BBC
The Teletubbies Credit: BBC

On his role in The Teletubbies, he said in an interview last year: “I thought it was a bit of a risky move but it certainly paid off.

“We used to receive a lot of fan mail from kids and parents. I suppose we were a bit like the Beatles or the Take That of children’s television.”

His funeral will be held at Bedford Crematorium on 7 February, and attendees have been asked to wear bright colours.