Channel 4 viewers couldn’t help but feel emotional after tuning in to the Friday Night Dinner anniversary special on Friday (October 21).
The comedy show aired from 2011 to 2020 and to celebrate 10 years of the iconic show, many of the main cast and writers returned to talk about their time on the series.
But fans felt particularly emotional when Paul Ritter, who played dad of the family Martin Goodman, appeared on screen and spoke so highly of his experience on the sitcom.
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At the time of filming the anniversary special, Paul was battling a brain tumour and looked visibly different to his on screen persona.
(Image: Channel 4)
Despite his ongoing battle with the illness, he made it clear to those involved in making the 10-year anniversary episode that he didn’t want to miss out on a chance to take a trip down memory lane.
Taking to social media, one wrote: “Very brave of Paul Ritter to want to take part, but sad to see him looking so unwell.”
A second emotional user penned: “RIP Paul Ritter [crying emoji] so sad to see him on this documentary #fridaynightdinner.”
(Image: Channel 4)
The world is a sadder place without Paul Ritter – very sad and unfair #FridayNightDinner,” added someone else.
Another simply stated: “#PaulRitter was amazing. #Fridaynightdinner.”
While a fourth echoed these thoughts and said: “Watching the Friday Night Dinners documentary on Ch.4 and wondering what a world we live in where talented men like Paul Ritter are taken too soon.”
Paul, who was also known for appearing in Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, passed away aged 54 from the tumour in April 2021.
(Image: Channel 4)
His agent announced the heartbreaking news in a statement, calling him an “exceptionally talented” actor.
The statement said: “It is with great sadness we can confirm that Paul Ritter passed away last night.
“He died peacefully at home with his wife Polly and sons Frank and Noah by his side. He was 54 and had been suffering from a brain tumour.
“Paul was an exceptionally talented actor, playing an enormous variety of roles on stage and screen with extraordinary skill.
“He was fiercely intelligent, kind and very funny. We will miss him greatly.”
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Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
