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Fireman Sam star David Carling has tragically passed away at the age of 55.
The actor, who voiced station officer Steele in the iconic series since 2008, died on December 10. No cause of death has been given.
A source confirmed this The sun: ‘David passed away earlier this month. It’s terrible news and very sad for everyone who knew him. He was a pleasure to work with and a true professional.”
In addition to Agent Steele, David also played Chief Fire Officer Boyce and Trevor Evans on the show, and has also starred in other animations such as Bin Weevils and Snow White: The Sequel.
Following the news, tributes poured in for the ‘wonderfully talented’ actor, while former colleagues launched a fundraising campaign in his memory, which has now surpassed its £250 target and reached £1,347.
Their JustGiving profile reads: ‘We are very saddened to hear of the loss of one of Soho’s great voiceover artists, David Carling. Those who have had the pleasure of working and meeting David all agree that he would light up a room with his smile and great sense of humor.”
Fireman Sam star David Carling has tragically passed away at the age of 55
The actor, who voiced station officer Steele in the iconic series since 2008, died on December 10. No cause of death has been given
‘A fantastically versatile and talented artist, his voice has been heard by so many. On behalf of Soho’s sound engineers and anyone who would like to leave a donation, please feel free to add a message for David here.’
“We wish his family all the love we can during this difficult time. You give a little love and it all comes back to you, you know you will be remembered for the things you said and did. We will miss you sweetie’.
David’s agency Just Voices said in a tribute: ‘We are devastated to announce the tragic news that the great David Carling passed away last Tuesday. He was a much-loved father, husband, friend, actor and voice-over artist and will be deeply missed by all who knew and worked with him.”
Meanwhile, Taking to Every sound engineer’s dream is worth it’: ‘We are sorry to hear the news of David’s passing, sending much love and all our condolences to his family, friends.’
More recently, firefighter Sam, who counts Prince George among his legion of fans, was joined by a marine biologist with a prosthetic leg who will highlight green issues.
New character Jodie Phillips will encourage young viewers to look after the ocean and stay safe on the beach in the 13th series of the animated TV show.
Show creators Mattel Television and WildBrain said: “This season is very different, with new characters, animals and vehicles and a powerful sustainability message for young children for the first time.
‘There’s a new character: daring and adventurous marine biologist Jodie Phillips, who teaches Pontypandy how to care for the ocean and be safe.
Following the news reports, tributes poured in for the ‘wonderfully talented’ actor, while former colleagues launched a fundraising campaign in his memory, which has now surpassed its £250 target and reached £1,347
David’s agency Just Voices said in a tribute: ‘We are devastated to announce the tragic news that the great David Carling passed away last Tuesday
In the meantime, Taking to
“She also happens to have a prosthetic leg, which doesn’t stop her from helping Ocean Rescue save the day.”
The show, set in the fictional Welsh town, has previously highlighted environmental concerns. In the episode The Highest Tide In Pontypandy, residents blame ‘this global boil’ for the floods that have hit the city.
Jodie is voiced by Doctor Who actress Ayesha Antoine. The show’s producers added, “They [Jodie] is passionate about all things ocean-related and is the driving force behind eco-education in the new episodes.
‘Preschool children are encouraged to think about sustainable living and protecting marine life and the environment. Jodie is intelligent, fearless and a natural athlete who uses her custom-made prosthetic legs on land and sea – a positive, vibrant role model for Pontypandy.”
Fireman Sam has been entertaining children – and promoting a fire safety message – for 34 years and the show’s YouTube channel has been viewed more than 9.6 billion times worldwide.
Fireman Sam in the photo