Nicholas Lyndhurst says he is ‘utterly grief stricken’ following his son’s death

Only Fools And Horses actor Nicholas Lyndhurst has said he and his wife are “utterly grief stricken” following the death of their son Archie.

The 19-year-old died following a short illness, according to CBBC.

Archie was best known for playing Ollie Coulton on comedy show So Awkward, which aired on the children’s channel.

Nicholas said in a statement: “Lucy and I are utterly grief stricken and respectfully request privacy.”

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Archie is Rodney Trotter star Nicholas’s son with his wife of 21 years, former ballet dancer Lucy Smith. He was born in 2000.

Archie followed his father into the profession, appearing in Jack Whitehall’s Bad Education series and voicing a character in the video game Final Fantasy XIV: Heavensward.

His breakthrough part came in So Awkward.

Comedian Whitehall wrote a tribute to Archie on Instagram, saying he will “never be forgotten”.

“Archie Lyndhurst came in to my life nearly 10 years ago, playing the young me in a short film I’d written,” he said.

“He was brilliant, so talented and funny. An utter joy to work with.”

Whitehall added: “I have no doubt he would have had a long and illustrious career and would have continued lighting up the lives of all those who encountered him.”

Archie had been taking shopping to the home of Whitehall’s parents during lockdown when they could not leave, he added.

A statement from CBBC said: “We’re so sorry to have to tell you that Archie Lyndhurst, who so brilliantly played Ollie in So Awkward on CBBC, has very sadly died after a short illness.

“Archie will be hugely missed by all who worked with him, and by all the fans who laughed along with Ollie in the show.”

Cheryl Taylor, head of content for BBC Children’s, said: “All of us at BBC Children’s are devastated to hear the news of Archie’s passing.

“He was such a talented young actor and meant so much to all of those involved in So Awkward as well as to the CBBC audience.

“He will be greatly missed by us all and our deepest condolences go out to his family and friends at this time.”

Channel X North, the independent production company that makes So Awkward, said in a statement: “We are deeply shocked and saddened to hear the news about our friend Archie.

“He was an incredibly talented performer and his contribution to So Awkward, on and off screen, will not be forgotten.

“As well as hilarious, he was a generous, kind-hearted young man who we had the honour to work with on the show for seven years.

“Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this time.”

John Challis, who played Aubrey “Boycie” Boyce alongside Nicholas Lyndhurst in Only Fools And Horses, shared his condolences.

He said on Twitter: “The saddest news of all today. The death of Archie Lyndhurst, just starting out on his chosen career in acting. My heart aches for Nick and Lucy. They could not have loved him more.”

Sue Holderness, who played Boycie’s wife Marlene in the sitcom, said: “It is too sad to hear that Archie Lyndhurst has died. My heart goes out to his Mum and Dad and to all who knew him.”