Flying Pickets star Brian Hibbard dies

Singer-turned-actor Brian Hibbard has died at the age of 65, his agent said today.

Hibbard, who was born in South Wales, first found fame with a capella group The Flying Pickets.

The group, formed by members of a radical theatre group, had a number one hit in 1983 with their first single - a cover version of Yazoo's Only You.

It spent five weeks at the top of the chart and won the coveted Christmas number one slot that year.

Hibbard went on to appear in films including Twin Town and television shows with roles in Casualty, Coronation Street and Making Out.

One of his last roles was in EastEnders, playing a former social worker called Henry Mason.

David Brett, who sang with Hibbard in the group, said: "The time spent with the Flying Pickets, and the play that spawned them, One Big Blow, was very special for all of us. Brian had the voice of an angel, great charm and charisma, and this, along with his deeply held socialist principles, made him the perfect frontman for the group. He inspired great affection, and his humour, wit and good nature will be greatly missed by all those who knew him. My thoughts are with his family."

PA