89-year-old fell down stairs

Ronnie Wolfe, the co-creator of On The Buses, has died after hitting his head in a fall at the age of 89.

Mr Wolfe died yesterday, three days after falling down the stairs at a London care home.

His son-in-law Arif Hussein broke the news, telling the BBC: ‘He was the kind of father-in-law most people dream about, absolutely.’

On The Buses ran over 75 episodes from 1969 to 1973 and made stars of Reg Varney, who played driver Stan Butler, and Stephen Lewis as Blakey. It led to three full-length films, and a stage version that ran for two years in Canada.

Mr Wolfe created dozens of comedies with writing partner Ronald Chesney including The Rag Trade and Yus, My Dear

Mr Chesney said: ‘We were together 50 years - it's like losing my brother.’

Published: 19 Dec 2011