Friday Night Dinner fans were left sobbing after actress Tamsin Greig paid tribute to her late co-star Paul Ritter.
Tamsin kicked off Friday Night Dinner: 10 Years and A Lovely Bit of Squirrel by praising the actor who took on the role of dad, Martin.
Speaking to the camera, Tamsin said: “I’m sure you know that very recently we lost our dear and most cherished friend Paul Ritter, who plays Martin Goodman in Friday Night Dinner.
“We all miss him terribly, incredible actor, a true friend and a lovely human being.
“Sadly at the time of making the documentary, Paul was pretty unwell and to be honest – don’t tell the producers – I did try and persuade him not to do the interview.
(Image: Grabs Channel 4)
“But it is testament to Paul’s courage and generosity and dignity and complete lack of vanity that he wanted to participate in the documentary, do an interview and to really celebrate this little world that he’s been a part of and that he’s enjoyed so much over the years.
“So I know that Paul would want us to all sit back and laugh and enjoy this celebration of the FND universe. And say, as we do, in his memory: Shalom.”
(Image: Channel 4)
Later on in the programme, Paul spoke frankly about bagging the role.
The actor, who passed away earlier this year, said: “I would be nothing without it. No. I’m serious. It was the great career gift.
“In terms of interesting parts it has been absolutely everything to me.”
Talking about the weird and wonderful situations Martin has found himself in including helping to carry a frozen fox through the house with his sons, he added: “I have enjoyed the extraordinary scenes we do.
(Image: Channel 4)
“I love those episodes. You get to see what Martin is like at his most devious.”
Taking to Twitter to express their sadness at the loss, one fan wrote: “Did not expect to get emotional at Friday Night Dinner. I’m getting too soft in my old age.”
Another added: “Friday night dinner 10 year special got me sobbing already.”
A third continued: “Not even 5 minutes in and already crying at Friday Night Dinner special. RIP Paul Ritter #FridayNightDinner.”
A fourth added: “10 years of Friday night Dinner. 1 minute in and I feel like crying #FridayNightDinner.”
Source: Celebrities - dailystar.co.uk
