THE TV star son of veteran BBC children’s television actor Colin Bennett has paid an emotional tribute to his dad.
EastEnders and After Life actor Tom Bennett announced the death of his dad on Friday night.
In a touching tribute last night he told of his pain.
In a post on X, he wrote: “My Dad (Mr Bennett) sadly passed away 2 weeks ago today. I still don’t quite have the words. He was my hero.”
“I will miss him more than he will ever know. I love you, Dad.”
Tom continued: “He wouldn’t have believed the amount of love he’s getting right now!
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“The number of amazing replies is a testament to who he was as a man and makes me so very proud he was my dad!
“He’d be so honoured, humbled and pleased he played even a tiny part in many of your childhoods! Thank you.”
Colin was known for his role as caretaker Mr Bennett on the BBC show Take Hart and its spin-off called Hartbeat during the 1970s and 80s.
In both he starred alongside beloved children’s TV presenter Tony Hart.
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Bennett presented game shows including household favourites You Should Be So Lucky, and Night Shift.
The actor appeared in the Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy and wrote other series such as Luna and Captain Zep – Space Detective.
He also made a guest appearance in the popular Last of the Summer Wine show in 1999.
As well as acting, Mr Bennett was a respected writer and director, working as both on a musical adaptation of The Point with Davy Jones and Mickey Dolenz.
He wrote his own play, Hancock’s Finest Hour, which starred Jim McManus on stage at the Boulevard Theatre in London.
The industry legend also ran his own production company called An Acquired Taste TV Corp.
Mr Bennett continued to mentor aspiring actors throughout his career and loved teaching students at a Guildford acting school.
After hearing of his death, hundreds of fans rushed to social media to pay tribute.
One said: “Bless you man. We ALL loved your Dad. Big part of so many of our childhoods. Love to you and your family!”
Another said: “Very sorry for your loss, Tom. He was such a happy and familiar part of so many people’s childhoods.”
A third posted: “Oh, I’m so sorry to hear that. He was a part of my childhood (and LOTS of people my age will feel the same). Condolences to you and your family.”
“I’m so sorry for your loss Tom. Amazing how he was a part of so many people’s lives. Thank you for sharing him,” penned another saddened fan.
An old co-worker shared: “I’m devastated to hear about this Tom, I’ve been thinking about your dad for a few years now, we worked together a fair bit during the ‘90s.
“A kinder, caring and more wonderful human being you could never meet. The world is a darker today.”
Another colleague who recalled the pleasure of meeting the beloved actor wrote: “I met him a few times – I worked at the publishers who published his book Acting on TV plus he spoke at an event my mum organised for a local charity – his talk had us crying with laughter.”
Someone else who worked with Mr Bennett penned: “Your Pa taught me at Guildford, belter of chap. Rest in Peace, and sorry for your loss Tom.”
To which heartbroken son Tom replied: “Yeah he loved teaching at Guildford!”
Meanwhile, another shared their story of meeting Mr Bennett: “So saddened to hear this Tom.
“Was lucky enough to interview your dad a couple of times a few years ago.
“Such a sharp wit and a wide ranging CV, from Take Hart to Luna and You Should Be So Lucky via stage musicals and working two Monkees. So sorry for your loss. RIP Colin.”
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“Your Dad was a legend. I still call people Mr Bennett as a term of silly affection to this day. Know he made a lot of people smile,” wrote a fan.
While another posted: “So sorry for your loss, Tom. Your dad brought happiness to millions.”
