Michael Angelis, the narrator of Thomas The Tank Engine series Thomas And Friends, has died at the age of 76.
The star, who also appeared in popular show Auf Wiedersehen, Pet died suddenly while at home with his wife on Saturday.
The actor appeared in 13 series of Thomas the Tank Engine, taking over from Ringo Starr in 1991, when the programme was called Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends.
He was also known for his roles as Arnie in September Song, Martin Niarchos in GBH, Lucien Boswell in The Liver Birds and as Mickey Startup in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
Michael played Mickey Startup in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet (Image: John Rogers)
Angelis, who was born in Liverpool, was married to Coronation Street star Helen Worth, who plays Gail Platt, from 1991 to 2001. He was also later married Jennifer Khalastchi.
The actor first appeared on screen in the 1970s in programmes including Z Cars, Thirty-Minute Theatre and an episode of Coronation Street.
He has also had stints in popular shows such as The Bill, Midsomer Murders, Heartbeat and Holby City.
The Thomas The Tank Engine narrator died suddenly while at home with his wife on Saturday (Image: David Fisher/Shutterstock)
Michael’s last credited TV role was back in 2012, when he appeared in BBC police drama Good Cop.
He trained at the College of Dramatic Art, Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, where he played roles in, among other works, Brendan Behan’s The Hostage and The Zykovs by Maxim Gorky. He was also featured in Boys from the Black Stuff (1982) and G.B.H.
Fans have been leaving tributes online since the news of Michael’s death.
One wrote on Twitter: “R.I.P Michael Angelis. Your voice/character will never be forgotten in our hearts.”
Another added: “Today we acknowledge a really terrible loss for the fandom. Michael Angelis was exceptionally loved by all who grew up with Thomas.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
