Get your sonic screwdrivers at the ready, because Doctor Who is back for its 60th anniversary and we can barely contain our excitement. But, who was Bernard Cribbins?
The BBC sci-fi series returned on Saturday (25th November) with David Tennant and Catherine Tate back as the Doctor and Donna Noble, plus new faces like Heartstopper's Yasmin Finney and Ruth Madeley.
Another familiar face fans were pleased to see was Donna's grandfather, Wilf, played by Bernard Cribbins. So, who was the Doctor Who fan favourite? Here's everything you need to know about him.
Who is Doctor Who's Bernard Cribbins?
Bernard was an actor and singer, famous for his roles in Fawlty Towers, The Railway Children and, of course, Doctor Who.
He played Donna Noble's grandfather, Wilf, in the series from 2007 until 2010. On Saturday's episode, his fate was revealed much to the surprise of fans and the Doctor himself!
"He wasn't young, I loved that man, sorry for your loss," said the Doctor in the episode, to which Donna replied, "He's not dead! He's living in sheltered accommodation, he's 94 and can't manage the stairs."
Alistair Heap//BBC
When did Doctor Who's Bernard Cribbins die?
Bernard sadly passed away on 27th July, 2022, aged 93.
In a statement about Bernard's death, his agent Gavin Barker Associates said: "Beloved actor Bernard Cribbins OBE has passed away at the age of 93.
"Bernard's contribution to British entertainment is without question," they continued. "He was unique, typifying the best of his generation, and will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing and working with him."
Will Bernard Cribbins be in Doctor Who?
Bernard passed away in the middle of filming the new episodes of Doctor Who, but David Tennant revealed that he was able to film a few scenes before his death.
"I am thrilled to say that, although very sadly he wasn't in those episodes as much as we hoped, he was on set with us and Wilfred lives on," he said.
"Bernard is much missed and much grieved for, but I am so excited that his final screen performance will be [one] I had the great honour of being part of and you'll see it all on your screens."
Doctor Who is streaming on BBC iPlayer.
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Furvah Shah is Cosmopolitan UK’s junior entertainment and lifestyle writer. She covers everything from TV and films to music and books, plus lots of celebrity news. Furvah has previously written for , BBC, and and she is super passionate about highlighting diverse talent and projects, having interviewed the likes of Halle Bailey, India Amarteifio, Iman Vellani and more. She's been interviewed for Times Radio and BBC Asian Network, graduated with a First in BA Media and Communications from Goldsmiths University and is an NCTJ-qualified journalist. In her free time, you can find her at an arts or culture event, eating Middle Eastern or Asian food, searching for modest fashion inspiration on Pinterest, binge-watching a Netflix series or cuddling with her cat. You can follow Furvah on , , and .
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