The actor and performer best known for starring as Tinky Winky in The Teletubbies has sadly died at the age of 52.
The family and friends of Simon Shelton Barnes have confirmed that he died last Wednesday only a matter of days after he celebrated his 52nd birthday.
The father of three lived in Ampthill, Bedfordshire and was an accomplished dancer and choreographer, as well as becoming well known for his role in the children's show as the purple Teletubby Tinky Winky.
The cause of his death is not yet known but his relatives and friends have posted moving tributes to him in the aftermath of his untimely passing.
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The Inbetweeners actress and Shelton Barnes' niece, Emily Atack posted on Instagram:
"My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly.
"The kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by all who knew him, and will be forever. X."
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His son Henry also left a poignant tribute to his late father on Facebook.
He said: "I lost my lovely dad on Wednesday, he was the kindest and most gentle man I knew and I love him more than anything!!!!
"I always used to be embarrassed as a child that he was a dancer and an actor but now I couldn't be more proud! He is in a better place now and I know he wouldn't want me to be sad, so I'm going to live my life the way he would want me to."
Shelton Barnes played Tinky Winky in 14 episodes of the show between the years of 1998 - 2001 after the original actor Dave Thompson left the show in 1997.
Another tribute came from the photographer Mike McGear, who is the brother of Paul McCartney and second cousin to Barnes' ex-wife, Emma.
He said: "So sad to hear about Si. He was a luvly lad..and will be dancing along Uncle Bills bar, knocking Mum&Dad, Milly&Ginny, Mike &Betts drinks off, as we talk! Luv to U & kids from me & mine X"
When speaking of his time on the show, Barnes compared his role on the show with being a rock star for children.
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He said: "I started my career as a ballet dancer and had just started working as a choreographer. I thought it was a bit of a risky move but it certainly paid off.
"We used to receive a lot of fan mail from kids and parents. I suppose we were a bit like the Beatles or the Take That of children's television."
RIP Simon.
Featured Image Credit: PA / BBCTopics: Death, UK News, TV and Film, UK Entertainment