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Statue for Roy Hudd given planning permission

Ben ParkerSuffolk
News imageThe Roy Hudd Statue Appeal An artist's impression of how the statue of Roy Hudd could look if approved. It shows a bronze life-size statue of Hudd sitting on a wooden bench in front of a property.The Roy Hudd Statue Appeal
People will be able to sit on the bench next to the statue of Roy Hudd

Plans for a statue of actor and comedian Roy Hudd outside a theatre have been approved.

Hudd, who lived near Stowmarket in Suffolk, hosted BBC Radio 2's The News Huddlines for 26 years and also starred in Coronation Street before he died in 2020.

The statue was created by local sculptor Sean Hedges-Quinn after a fundraising campaign and will stand next to the Theatre Royal in Bury St Edmunds.

West Suffolk Council approved the plans, giving those behind the project three years to begin installation.

The idea for the statue of Hudd sitting on a bench was thought up by Hudd's widow, Debbie Hudd.

Unable to hold a memorial service after his death due to the Covid pandemic, she came up with the idea of a statue outside the theatre, which the comedian loved performing at and visiting.

She said: "Preparations for the installation of the statue start soon."

News imagePA Media Roy Hudd in a top hat and suit with his wife Debbie in a formal black hat with a feather attached PA Media
Roy Hudd's wife Debbie came up with the idea for the statue

Hudd performed at the theatre, including in the show Goodnight Mister Tom in 2018, in which he attracted a record audience.

Debbie Hudd said the statue's placement would help welcome new audiences to the theatre.

The statue, costing about £100,000, has been paid for by his wife and private donations.

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