David Carling who starred in children’s TV series Fireman Sam as Station Officer Steele has died at the age of 55.
A source confirmed to : ‘David died earlier this month. It’s terrible news and very sad for everyone who knew him. He was lovely to work with and a true professional.’
The actor died on December 10, just days before Christmas with his wife Amber and their daughters.
The actor was best known as Station Officer Steele in the series, but the talented voice actor also played Chief Fire Officer Boyce and Trevor Evans since joining the show in 2008.
Just Voices Agency, who David worked with paid tribute to the late star: ‘We are devastated to announce the tragic news that the wonderful David Carling passed away last Tuesday.
‘He was a much beloved father, husband, friend, actor and voiceover artist and will be hugely missed by everyone that knew and worked with him.’
The voice actor was best known for his work in children’s TV such as Sarah and Duck and Bin Weevils but also appeared in Morrison’s Christmas advert – lending his voice to one of the singing oven gloves.
The actor’s cause of death has not been revealed, but some of his former colleagues have set up a page to support his family.
The page from SOHO’s sounds engineers read: ‘We are very saddened to hear of the loss of one of Soho’s great Voice over Artists, David Carling. Those who have had the pleasure to work and meet David, would all agree he would lighten up a room with his smile and wonderful sense of humour.
‘A fantastically versatile and talented artist his voice has been heard by so many.
‘On behalf of Soho’s sound engineers and anyone else that would like to leave a donation please feel free to here and add any messages for David. We wish his family all the love we can through this tough time.
‘You give a little love an it all comes back to you, you know you’re gonna be remembered for the things that you said and do.
‘We’ll miss ya love,’ concluded the message.
Tributes have poured out online as those who worked with him have shared their admiration.
‘What a lovely man with a huge amount of talent. Every sound engineer’s dream to work with,’ said parvthind on X.
‘Devastating to hear the news of David Carling, Fireman Sam VA of Steele, Tom Thomas, Mike Flood from Series 6-16, taking over from John Sparkes in S5, has now died. Can only imagine what it’s like for his family just days before Christmas. Not really a time you’d want to mourn,’ said CamCrabbier.
‘We’re losing childhood legends left and right this year. First David Weatherley and now David Carling, the voice of Station Officer Steele, Tom Thomas and Mike Flood from CGI Fireman Sam,’ said WHyena16.
