Fern Britton has revealed that her dad Tony has sadly passed away aged 95.
The TV presenter made the heartbreaking announcement on Twitter, with a picture of her dad taken on a sunny day with blue skies.
She wrote, ‘Our father, Tony Britton, died early this morning. Great actor, director and charmer. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. 👼🏻’
Our father, Tony Britton, died early this morning. Great actor, director and charmer. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest. 👼🏻 pic.twitter.com/QEHel2jOZS
— Fern Britton (@Fern_Britton) December 22, 2019
Tony became a legendary actor after starring in films like Operation Amsterdam and Sunday Bloody Sunday, and BBC sitcom Don’t Wait Up between 1983 to 1990.
After her announcement, fans were quick to send their messages of condolences. One said, ‘So, so sorry. One of the best loved actors in the country.’
Another wrote, ‘So sorry to hear. He was always a joy to watch, classy and had a twinkle in his eye. Will be missed. Condolences to the family.’
A third added, ‘Sad news Fern. An absolute gentleman who I fondly remember from childhood TV.’
The sad loss comes just over a year after Fern also lost her mum, Ruth.
At the time, she wrote, ‘My Mum. Ruth. Both mother and father to me. Funny, ferocious, and a woman once met, you couldn’t forget.’
‘24.1.24 / 17.4.18. So brave and uncomplaining. An army sergeant WW2, beauty queen, teacher, and all woman.’
Fern’s mum was Tony’s first wife, and they split when Fern was a baby, leaving Ruth to bring her and her sister Cherry up alone.
The former This Morning has previously discussed her childhood, telling The Guardian, “I didn’t see much of Dad but I was very proud of him.
“I used to wave to him when I saw him on TV. I knew he couldn’t wave back, of course, because he was working but I was sure he could see me.”
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“When my dad remarried and we had to move to a smaller house, I wasn’t told precisely why and didn’t really know where my dad was or why he’d gone.
“With my own children it’s different – I tell them everything. I say to them, ‘When I die I don’t want you getting any nasty shocks!’”
Our thoughts are with Tony’s family during this difficult time.
