Fireman Sam star David Carling has tragically passed away aged 55.
The actor, who voiced Station Officer Steele in the iconic series since 2008, died December 10. No cause of death has been given.
A source confirmed to The Sun: ‘David died earlier this month. It’s terrible news and very sad for everyone who knew him. He was lovely to work with and a true professional.’
As well as Officer Steele David also played Chief Fire Officer Boyce and Trevor Evans in the show, as well as acting in other animations like Bin Weevils and Snow White: The Sequel.
Following the news tributes poured in for the ‘wonderfully talented’ actor, while former colleagues launched a fundraiser in his memory, which has now surpassed it’s target of £250 and reached £1,347.
Their JustGiving profile reads: ‘We are very saddened to hear of the loss of one of Soho’s great Voice over Artists, David Carling. Those who have had the pleasure to work and meet David, would all agree he would lighten up a room with his smile and wonderful sense of humour’.
Fireman Sam star David Carling has tragically passed away aged 55
The actor, who voiced Station Officer Steele in the iconic series since 2008, died 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 else that would like to leave a donation please feel free to here and add any messages for David’.Â
‘We wish his family all the love we can through this tough time. You give a little love an it all comes back to you, you know you’re gonna be remembered for the things that you said and do. We’ll miss ya love’.
David’s agency Just Voices said in a tribute:Â ‘We are devastated to announce the tragic news that the wonderful David Carling passed away last Tuesday. He was a much beloved father, husband, friend, actor and voiceover artist and will be hugely missed by everyone that knew and worked with him.’
Meanwhile Taking to X fans also paid their respects: ‘We will never forget you David Carling rest in peace’: ‘What a lovely man with a huge amount of talent. Every sound engineer’s dream to worth with’: ‘So sorry to hear the news of David’s passing, sending his family friends much love and all our condolences’.
More recently Fireman Sam, who counts the likes of Prince George among his legion of fans, was joined by a marine biologist with a prosthetic leg who will highlight green issues.
The new character Jodie Phillips will encourage young viewers to look after the ocean and keep safe at the beach in the 13th series of the animated TV programme.
Show makers Mattel Television and WildBrain said: ‘This season is very different with new characters, animals and vehicles and for the first time a strong sustainability message for young tots.
‘There is a new character – the daring and adventurous marine biologist Jodie Phillips, teaching Pontypandy how to look after and be safe around the ocean.
Following the news tributes poured in for the ‘wonderfully talented’ actor, while former colleagues launched a fundraiser in his memory, which has now surpassed it’s target of £250 and reached £1,347
As well as Officer Steele David also played Chief Fire Officer Boyce (L) and Trevor Evans (R) in the show, as well as acting in other animations like Bin Weevils and Snow White: The Sequel
David’s agency Just Voices said in a tribute: ‘We are devastated to announce the tragic news that the wonderful David Carling passed away last Tuesday
Meanwhile Taking to X fans also paid their respects: ‘We will never forget you David Carling rest in peace’: ‘What a lovely man with a huge amount of talent’
‘She also happens to have a prosthetic leg, which does not hinder her from helping Ocean Rescue save the day.’
The show, set in the fictional Welsh town, has highlighted environmental concerns before. In the episode The Highest Tide In Pontypandy, residents blame ‘this global cooking thing’ for floods that hit the town.
Jodie will be voiced by Doctor Who actress Ayesha Antoine. The show’s producers added: ‘She [Jodie] is passionate about all things oceanic and drives the eco-education focus in the new episodes.
‘Pre-school tots are encouraged to think about sustainable living and protecting marine life and the environment. Jodie is intelligent, fearless and a natural athlete using her custom prosthetic legs on land and sea – a positive, vibrant role model for Pontypandy.’
Fireman Sam has entertained children – and promoted a fire safety message – for 34 years and the show’s YouTube channel has had more than 9.6billion views worldwide.
Fireman Sam picturedÂ
