‘It Ain’t Half Hot Mum’ star Windsor Davies dies aged 88

Just months after the death of his wife of 62-years, TV favourite Windsor Davies has passed away at the age of 88.

Best known for his role as Battery Sergeant Major Williams in BBC comedy It Ain’t Half Hot Mum, Davies boasted a successful career in British television also starring in the likes of Terrahawks and Never the Twain.

The star’s family confirmed the news, adding that he passed peacefully on Thursday. His daughter Jane Davies said that he and her mother, who died in September last year, left a family “who will all remember them with love, laughter and gratitude”, reports the BBC.

Set in a fictional Royal Artillery Depot in Deolali in India, at the end of the Second Would War, It Ain’t Half Hot Mum ran for an impressive 56 episodes between 1974 and 1981.

The sitcom centred around the base’s Concert Party, who were responsible for putting on musical and comedic shows for soldiers preparing to depart for the front line.

As well as several stage appearances, Davies also landed roles in more than 20 films –  including Carry On England and Carry on Behind.

Fellow TV stars paid tribute to Davies after hearing the sad news, with Allo Allo’s Vicki Michelle sharing an image of herself with the late actor on Twitter.

She wrote: “So so sad to hear about Windsor Davies one of my favourite people. A Genuinely lovely generous man. Such fond memories of working with him. Had a huge presence and a huge heart. Will be missed by all who knew him.”

So so sad to hear about Windsor Davies one of my favourite people. A Genuinely lovely generous man. Such fond memories of working with him. Had a huge presence and a huge heart. Will be missed by all who knew him #ItAintHalfHotMum #NevertheTwain #DrintheHouse @BBC pic.twitter.com/Z9RuBEYarb

— Vicki Michelle MBE 💙 (@vickimichelle) January 19, 2019

While Downton Abbey star Paul Putner, who played Mr Skinner, said: “I’ve just found out Windsor Davies has passed away. I worked with him in 1991 in a West End farce and he was such a gifted actor.

“Also one of most generous, lovely blokes you could ever wish to meet. Gave me great encouragement. R.I.P.”

I've just found out Windsor Davies has passed away. I worked with him in 1991 in a West End farce and he was such a gifted actor. Also one of most generous, lovely blokes you could ever wish to meet. Gave me great encouragement. R.I.P. pic.twitter.com/5PAWnuGp9L

— Paul Putner (@RealPaulPutner) January 19, 2019

Davies’ It Ain’t Half Hot Mum co-star Melvyn Hughes also paid a moving tribute to his “best friend”. He told the BBC: “I considered him my best friend, even though we hadn’t been in contact for many years.

“To work with him was a pleasure, a sheer delight because he was so generous in his work.

“You couldn’t buy him a drink because you’d go into a public house and they’d say ‘Windsor has put some money behind the counter for you’.

“He was nothing like the character he played – he was a charming, quietly-spoken, gentle human being.”

Do you remember watching It Ain’t Half Hot Mum? Do you have a message of condolence for Windsor Davies’ family?