TINKY WINKY TRAGEDY

Teletubbies Tinky Winky star Simon Barnes, 53, died after ‘becoming an alcoholic’

The actor, who starred as handbag-loving Tinky Winky in the popular 1990s kids' show died of hypothermia and had a high level of alcohol in his blood, tests revealed

james cox

Published: 3:31, 6 Apr 2018

TRAGIC Teletubbies actor Simon Barnes died after descending into alcoholism, an inquest heard.

The actor, who starred as handbag-loving Tinky Winky in the popular 1990s kids' show died of hypothermia and had a high level of alcohol in his blood, tests revealed.

Simon Shelton Barnes played the much-loved character of Tinky Winky in the Teletubbies

Tragically, the 52-year-old was found "frozen to death" in the street, friends and family desperately trying to figure out what went wrong in the final weeks of his life.

Pals said he had been looking forward to a "normal life" after moving 180 miles to "escape the temptations of London".

Coroner Anita Bhardwaj recorded a verdict of misadventure and said: "Simon Barnes was 53 with a medical history of alcohol dependence.
"On January 17 at 07.15 hours, Simon was found deceased at the Port of Liverpool Building in a well between the building and street.
"Toxicological analysis found a high concentration of alcohol. The temperature on the day was three degrees and it is more likely than not the combination of the alcohol consumed and the temperature caused his death."

Teletubbies was a kids' TV sensation in the late 1990sCredit: Handout

Simon played Tinky Winky in the children's TV show but is said to have struggled being away from his childrenCredit: Rex Features

Music video for 1997 song 'Eh-Oh' by kids TV characters the Teletubbies

Speaking to The Sun Online, close pal Jane Rees, who Simon lived with after moving to The Wirral last year, said he had struggled with being separated from his three kids, who were "everything to him".

She said: "He came up to stay with me because he was disillusioned in Ampthill.

"I think he had finished his time as a choreographer because of injury and age and he was looking for a new direction.

“He came up to Liverpool to have a fresh start and think about a new career.

“I think he wanted to get away from London and the temptations - not so much the temptations of drinking but more the socialising and partying and not getting any work done. I think he wanted a break."

Simon trained as a ballet dancer and choreographerCredit: Facebook

Simon's daughter, Lydia, posted a heartbreaking tribute to her father following his deathCredit: Facebook

He spent his last few years taking photosCredit: Instagram

Family members have paid tribute to the beloved actor who appeared on the hit children's TV showCredit: Rex Features

Simon had trained as a ballet dancer and choreographer before taking the role.

He played purple Teletubby Tinky Winky between 1998 and 2001 in the show, which originally aired on BBC2.

The series soon reached cult status and was aired in over 120 countries in 45 different languages and even spawned a number 1 single at the height of its fame.

On set, his fellow co-star Nikky Smedley, who played yellow Teletubby Laa-Laa, said today she always remembered Simon as "always smiling" and a "family man".

She told Sun Online: "He was an absolute professional and a fantastic dancer. He was always incredibly good company.

"He was kind to everyone and always had a smile on his face. I can't remember him ever being angry or tired."