Greg “Deeply Saddened” by death of actor Leslie Phillips

East Yorkshire MP Sir Greg Knight today paid tribute to actor Leslie Phillips CBE.  Phillips, who passed away on 7^th November this year aged 98.

He was one of Britain’s best loved actors and had been close friends with Sir Greg for nearly 20 years.

Born in 1924, Leslie Phillips mainly worked in light comedy roles. Sir Greg said: “With his seductive voice and a trademark catchphrases, “I say,” “Hello” and “Ding Dong”, he became a firm favourite in comedy films of the 1950’s and 1960’s and continued acting well into his eighties, later moving into more serious character roles.

“Leslie’s achievements were recognised in 2008 when he was made a Commander of the British Empire (CBE).”

In 2013 Sir Greg was invited to, and attended, his marriage to Zara Carr.  He had 4 children from a previous marriage.

Sir Greg said, “I am deeply saddened by this news and my thoughts are with Leslie’s widow Zara and his children.

“Leslie was a charming man, a delightful friend and a unique comedy actor. The public loved him.”

“Until recently, he was a big supporter of the Parliamentary Historic Vehicles Group, which I chair, and he livened up many a dinner at the House of Commons with his fascinating anecdotes from his life on the screen, which were very much appreciated and enjoyed by MPs, peers and other guests”.

“I have lost a great friend and our country has lost an actor of immense charm”.