The widow of entertainer Roy Hudd has praised the “fantastic” theatre poster-style headstone placed at his grave.
The comic and actor, who lived near Stowmarket in Suffolk, had a career spanning more than 60 years, including his long-running BBC Radio 2 show The News Huddlines.
Debbie Hudd said she had been mulling over a fitting tribute since his death in March 2020, aged 83, and was “bowled over” by stonemason Stuart Buckle’s design.
“I had to get it right for Roy and I wanted to personalise it to him – hopefully I’ve succeeded in that,” said Mrs Hudd, who added she was “thrilled to bits”.
Hudd was well known for his numerous appearances on radio, stage and screen, which in his sixties and seventies included appearances on Holby City, Coronation Street and Call the Midwife.
His gravestone at Crowfield church makes a cheeky nod to his theatre show – Hudd’s Here – and references his role as an authority on all things music hall, which was known for its elaborate and detailed posters.
It was designed and hand-carved by Mr Buckle, who is based in Debenham.
Mrs Hudd she had given the stonemason her wording and a rough design before he visited the couple’s home.
“I took him into Roy’s office and all the [theatre] posters were on the wall, and he got inspired by the posters.
“A month or so later, he said he had all the words in a slightly different design, and I was quite nervous about it, but I was just bowled over – he made it look like a poster.
“The little indents with gold leaf, it looks like theatre lights – he [Stuart] is so clever.
“He did it all by hand, which is fantastic.
“Roy would love that, as he was a graphic designer in the very beginning – so he would approve.”
Mr Buckle, who has worked on numerous major public art projects, posted images of the emerging design on social media.
“What an honour it was to make this incredibly special memorial for Roy,” he said.
“A beautiful and fitting tribute reflecting Roy’s vibrant spirit and humour.”
