The well-known actor and singer Brian Hibbard has died at the age of 65 from prostate cancer, his agent has confirmed.
Ebbw Vale-born Hibbard became famous as the lead singer of the Flying Pickets – which topped the charts in 1983 with Only You.
He later moved into acting and had parts in Emmerdale, Coronation Street, EastEnders and Welsh language soap Pobl Y Cwm. He also had roles in films Twin Town and Rancid Aluminium.
Hibbard, who was first diagnosed with prostate cancer 12 years ago, was taken to the University Hospital of Wales in Cardiff eight weeks ago. He died there in the early hours of Monday morning with his actress wife Caroline by his side.
Those of us who interviewed the Flying Pickets in the 80s remember a sharp-suited, sharp-witted man who was great fun and a good friend. The socialising always involved a lot of red wine and a good rant about politics; our loathing of Margaret Thatcher was shared and passionate. I hope you have the Red Flag at the funeral, Bri…………….!