Emily Atack fans stunned after learning her sad connection to the Teletubbies

Tinky-Winky, Dipsy, Laa Laa and Po shot to fame in 1997 and despite the show ending in 2001 is still a staple of children's television loved by millions of kids from different generations around the globe

People have been stunned to learn there is a strange and sad connection between Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack and legendary children’s TV show, the Teletubbies.

Posted on social media site Reddit, a user created a tribute to people from iconic British television shows, pointing out which of the actors were still alive.

The first image showed the cast of Only Fools and Horses, followed by the Vicar of Dibley, starring Dawn French (who is very much still alive), followed by Father Ted, Black Adder, Fawlty Towers and the Teletubbies.

In the images, the user coloured the people who had passed away in black and white, while those still alive were in colour. Going through the post people were shocked to discover that Tinky Winky was in grey.

One person responded: “Tinky winky is dead?” Another user replied: “This is how I’m finding out Tinky Winky is dead. I’m the one that started the post last Friday about the dead Uk celebs and no one thought to tell me that MF Tinky Winky is dead!!!!?”

Reeling from their shock, one user shared the actor who played Tinky Winky, Simon Shelton Barnes’ Wikipedia page, showing that he was the uncle of Inbetweeners actress Emily Atak. One user added: “Emily Atack's uncle was Tinky Winky?? Learn something new every day.”

Father-of-three Simon Shelton Barnes passed away in 2018, just four days after his 52nd birthday. The actor, who played the character between 1998 to 2001, collapsed on a Liverpool car park and died of hypothermia. Merseyside Police confirmed there were "no suspicious circumstances" surrounding his death.

Simon was the brother-in-law of Poldark actor Robert Daws and uncle of Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack, and once said that being in the Teletubbies was “a bit like the Beatles or Take That of television”. He said: “We used to receive a lot of fan mail from children and parents.”

Simon’s handbag-carrying Tinky Winky character once caused controversy in America where evangelical TV minister Jerry Falwell accused him of being gay. Simon said at the time: “People always ask me if Tinky Winky is gay. But the character is supposed to be a three-year-old so the question is really quite silly.”

Inspired by a 'Still standing' post on Oldschoolcool from the other side of the pond. UK + Ire
byu/olivinebean inCasualUK

At the time Emily herself paid tribute to her "wonderful" uncle on Instagram, sharing his black and white headshot with her followers. She wrote: "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.”

Emily, who is best known for playing Charlotte Hinchcliffe in Channel 4 show The Inbetweeners, welcomed baby Barney back in June with her scientist boyfriend Dr Alistair Garner.

The actress took to Instagram to share the joyous news, complete with an adorable photo of the little one. Emily, who excitedly announced her pregnancy back in December, expressed her elation in a heartfelt Instagram post, telling her fans that her "dreams have come true".

Do you have a story to share? Email eve.wagstaff@reachplc.com