ITV Midsomer Murders and BBC Holby City star dies aged 81 as tributes flood in for beloved actor

Alex Davies
Tue, 31 Mar 2026 06:29:42 +0000

Desmond Barrit, the celebrated television and stage performer, has passed away at the age of 81 following a sudden and unexpected death at his Islington residence.

The Welsh-born actor, who hailed from Morriston near Swansea, was recognised by audiences for his appearances in popular television dramas including the BBC medical series Holby City, where he portrayed a character named Aubrey.

He also featured in the long-running ITV detective programme Midsomer Murders, taking on the role of Raymond Clandillon in a 2007 episode entitled They Seek Him Here during the show's 10th series.

His passing was announced on Monday through tributes posted online, with the National Theatre leading the commemorations for an actor who had been a significant presence at the venue.

Beyond his television appearances, Mr Barrit enjoyed an extensive and acclaimed theatrical career that spanned decades.

His stage work encompassed prestigious venues including the Royal Shakespeare Company and the Royal National Theatre, where he demonstrated remarkable versatility across genres.

In 2004, he appeared in the National Theatre's revival of A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, a production that went on to receive a nomination for the 2005 Olivier Award for Outstanding Musical Production.

Four years later, he stepped into the role of the Wizard in the West End production of Wicked at the Apollo Victoria Theatre.

Oh no!

Just heard about Desmond Barrit!

He was so much fun, so brilliant, & made me laugh every night during ‘Harvey’.

Going to miss you very much, Des…

RIP Desmond Barrit. 😢 pic.twitter.com/eoL530qgrp
— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) March 27, 2026

His Shakespearean credentials included a notable portrayal of Shylock at Chichester Festival Theatre in 2003, while he also took on the part of Hector in The History Boys at Wyndham's Theatre.

Russell T Davies, the screenwriter and Doctor Who showrunner, paid tribute to Mr Barrit on Instagram, describing him as "a giant, a lion and a joy" who would be greatly missed.

Mr Davies recalled first encountering the actor during his pantomime days at the Swansea Grand, where Barrit played Nurse Gladys Glucose in the 1983 production of Babes in the Wood.

"So it seemed impossible - and inspirational - that he could rise from that, to the greatest heights," Davies wrote, citing the performer's subsequent work with the RSC, National Theatre, and his role as the Wizard in Wicked.

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The showrunner also noted that Barrit had appeared in his Channel 4 drama It's A Sin, playing one of the Conservative dinner guests alongside Roscoe in episode four.

Actor Joseph Millson, who shared the stage with Mr Barrit on multiple occasions, expressed his sorrow at the news of his colleague's death.

"So sad to hear of the passing of Des Barrit. I was in three productions with him, each a real flag in the sand for my career," Mr Millson said.

He added: "Des was a kind mess of humanity and a consummate actor every single time. So many stories. Fare forward friend."

Game of Thrones star James Dreyfus echoed: "Oh no! Just heard about Desmond Barrit! He was so much fun, so brilliant, & made me laugh every night during ‘Harvey’. Going to miss you very much, Des RIP Desmond Barrit." (sic)

The National Theatre's statement praised Mr Barrit's extraordinary range, noting that he brought "sublime talent and massive heart to everything from Shakespeare to Sondheim, new plays to raucous pantomime".

The tribute described him as "expertly funny" while also capable of delivering emotionally devastating performances, calling him "a generous and joyous man".