Russell T Davies’ tribute to Bernard Cribbins was just wonderful

Sad news today that the great Bernard Cribbins has died aged 93. And while the term ‘national treasure’ is doubtless overused these days, in this case it is absolutely, totally, 100% appropriate.

We’ve rounded up just a few of the many, many tributes being paid to the actor, comedian and singer today.

But this one touched us more than any other, from Doctor Who showrunner and much else besides, Russell T Davies.

Cribbins was a Doctor Who stalwart, of course – appearing alongside Peter Cushing in the 1964 film Daleks’ Invasion Earth 2150 before returning in 2007 as a different character, Wilfred Mott.

He not long ago filmed scenes for the show’s 60th anniversary special which is due to air on BBC1 next year.

Here’s what Davies wrote on Instagram.

And just a few of the things people were saying about it.

No one puts it better than Russell T Davies. #bernardcribbins pic.twitter.com/9trDUCF5XU

— Julia Raeside (@JNRaeside) July 28, 2022

Heartbroken to hear the passing of Bernard Cribbins

What an amazing person loved by so many.

Russell T Davies lovely tribute and message to Bernard.

Will be forever missed pic.twitter.com/IFlWjUebTf

— Safe Space Who (@SafeSpaceDrWho) July 28, 2022

Russell’s tribute to Bernard Cribbins has me bawling right now. So beautifully written pic.twitter.com/c6fTMBSwpm

— beth (@raggedyjodie) July 28, 2022

RIP Bernard Cribbins. Russell T Davies' tribute is just wonderful. pic.twitter.com/j4Aw5hXj5u

— JBR (@JBRAgent) July 28, 2022

Just in case you didn’t see it (or wanted to watch it again) …

Fun fact: Bernard Cribbins asked Russell T Davies if he could write someone fighting off a Dalek with a paintball gun, so RTD put in this scene for Wilf: pic.twitter.com/9gExyMzVUQ

— Bad Wolf Archives (@BadWolfArchives) June 28, 2022

And it was spotted by his Doctor Who co-star John Simm who said this.