BBC children’s TV star Colin Bennett dies: EastEnders’ Tom Bennett shares emotional tribute to ‘hero’ dad

BBC children’s television star Colin Bennett has died, his family confirmed on Friday.

Colin’s EastEnders actor son Tom Bennett shared an emotional tribute to his father on social media platform X, confirming he died last month.

Tom posted a photo of his late father and told his fans that Colin, best known for playing Mr Bennett in BBC children’s show Take Hart, was his “hero”.

He wrote: ‘My dad (Mr Bennett) sadly passed away two weeks ago today. I still don’t have the words. He was my hero.’

“I will miss him more than he will ever know.” I love you dad.’

Tom continued: ‘You wouldn’t have believed the amount of love she’s getting right now! The number of amazing responses is a testament to who he was as a man and makes me so proud that he was my father!

He would be so honored, humbled and pleased to have played even a small role in many of your childhoods! Thank you’

Fans were emotional after learning that Colin had passed away and paid tribute to the star in X.

One wrote: ‘Oh Tom, I’m so sorry. Your dad was a beautiful memory of my childhood. He seemed like a very special man. Lots of love for you’

Another said: ‘I’m so sorry for your loss Tom. I’m from the generation that grew up watching your dad. Take comfort in the fact that your father entertained so many people.

‘Really sad news. ‘Colin was a big part of why Take Hart was so good’

Following the outpouring of fans, Tom posted a response: “I had no idea the outpouring of love would be so great! I am truly overwhelmed in the most joyfully emotional way possible by all your kind and heartfelt words.

“He was a special man and I am so proud and he brings me so much joy that he meant so much to so many of you.”

Colin ran a production company, An Acquired Taste TV Corp, and broadcast for television for about 17 years.

He retired from acting in 2002, reportedly due to health problems, but later returned to acting.

His television roles include ‘Mr. Bennett’, Tony Hart’s accident-prone carer in the BBC children’s programs Take Hart (1977-1983) and Hartbeat (1984-1989).

Among other television assignments, he hosted Night Shift and You Should Be So Lucky, as well as appearing on The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy as Zarquon.

Colin’s son Tom has appeared in many British television shows including The Hunt for Tony Blair, Red Cap, The Worst Week of My Life, Life Begins, The Booze Cruise II, Midsomer Murders and EastEnders, playing Steve Clarke .

In February 2019, he played Del Boy in Only Fools and Horses The Musical at the Theater Royal Haymarket, which ran until March 2020 before going on hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.