' ‘One of the best has gone' – Lenny Henry

Larrington Walker, the star of Lenny Henry’s sitcom Rudy’s Rare Records, has died at the age of 70.

The  Jamaican-born actor played the title role in four seasons of the Radio 4 comedy, which ran from 2008 to 2012, the one-off TV adaptation two years later, and the theatrical version staged at the Hackney Empire

His character was the charismatic, laid-back but chaotic owner of a Birmingham record shop. Henry, who created the series, played his neurotic son Adam, who tried to help him run the business after a health scare.

The comedian and actor led the tributes, tweeting: ‘One of the best has gone. Rest easy Larry. xx’

Danny Robins, who co-wrote  Rudy’s Rare Record added: ‘eartbroken to hear Larrington Walker, Rudy in Rudy's Rare Records, has passed away. I'll miss you Larry my friend. Larrington Walker was one of the good guys. A true gentleman who made me laugh a lot. Can't believe he's gone.’

Walker, who moved to the UK when he was nine, was best known for his stage roles as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company. His television career included Taboo, The Bill and Inspector Morse, and he appeared in films including Human Traffic and Second Coming.

He was filming a role in Death In Paradise in Guadeloupe,  when he died while relaxing on the beach on a day off.

His agent, Femi Oguns, confirmed Walker’s death on Twitter, posting: ‘It’s with a very heavy heart that I announce the angels have been called to bring my friend and client Sir Larrington Walker home.

‘I know this great man has brought so much to the world and this will come as a great shock to those who know him. I feel so empty right now, so emotional.

‘My heart is with the family and friends. Thank you for all the great conversations filled with love guidance, wisdom and laughter … My life will never be the same without you, great sir, as I’m sure with many others.

‘It was the greatest honest to represent you. The greatest honour and privilege representing you. I will forever love you dearly. God bless you and the family.’

An episode of Rudy’s Rare Records is due to air at 11pm on Radio 4 Extra tonight.

Published: 5 Sep 2017