Brian Cant dead at 83 – Play School presenter and voice of Trumpton dies after long battle with Parkinson’s Disease

PRESENTER and actor Brian Cant has died at the age of 83.

The former Play School host and voice of Trumpton had been living with Parkinson’s Disease, his agent said.

Cant died at Denville Hall, a retirement home often used by those in the entertainment industry.

A statement from the family said: “It is with great sadness that we, his family, have to announce that Brian Cant has died aged 83 at Denville Hall.

“He lived courageously with Parkinson’s Disease for a long time.”

The statement added: “Brian was best known and well-loved for his children’s programmes Play School and Play Away and was honoured by Bafta in 2010.

“Donations would be most appreciated to Denville Hall and the Actors’ Benevolent Fund.”

Cant was also famous for narrating the stop-motion children’s television series of Trumpton which was shown on the BBC.

Cant’s most famous line was the fire brigade call out: “Pugh, Pugh, Barney McGrew, Cuthbert, Dibble, Grub.”

From 1990 to 2003 Cant also starred as “Brian” the farmer in the ITV children’s television puppet show Dappledown Farm and also provided the voice of Harry the Heron.

He also hosted Play Away which ran from 1971 until 1984.

Born in Ipswich, Brian trained as a printer before taking up acting. He both wrote and starred on stage alongside his 20-year children’s TV career.

Fellow show presenters Floella Benjamin and Derek Griffiths last night paid tribute to his “comedy genius”.

Floella said: “He was totally devoted to making children happy.”

Derek wrote online: “Goodbye, Brian Cant. You’ll be missed by many. Thanks for the laughs. #PlaySchool Dx.”

James May tweeted: “Brian Cant: genuinely sad for people my age.

“Let’s just say he’s passed away-a-way-way. #RIPBrian. And we still have @Derek1Griffiths.”

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