Beloved actor Steve Hodson, best known for his role on the classic 1970s children's show Follyfoot, has passed away at the age of 77. Hodson played the role of horseman Steve Ross on the popular programme and also made appearances in the series All Creatures Great and Small.

His passing was announced on a Follyfoot group, where a post from his daughter Jessica shared the sad news: "Steve passed away last night after a long battle with COPD."

The tribute added: "That's one brighter star you'll see in the heavens from now on." It concluded by offering condolences to his family during this difficult time, saying: "Much love to all his family at this awful time. So sad."

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The late actor, a Bradford, West Yorkshire native, was born to Rene (nee Heffernan) and Tom Hodson, a factory supervisor. He attended Belle Vue grammar school.

While working in the civil service, he and his then-fiancée, Anita Carey, took drama classes at Bradford Playhouse before relocating to London for training at Central School of Speech and Drama (1967-70), where their relationship ended. It was during this period that Hodson learned horse riding in Wimbledon, south-west London, where he was staying with a family who owned stables.

Just before landing a role in Follyfoot, he made his television debut as a hotel worker in a 1971 episode of Hine, featuring Barrie Ingham as an arms dealer. His early TV career also includes roles in The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes (1971), a Willis Hall-written Play for Today, The Villa Maroc (1972), and Z Cars (1974).

He later had minor roles in Hazell, Angels and A Horseman Riding By (all 1978), as well as Enemy at the Door (1980), All Creatures Great & Small (1980) and Juliet Bravo (two parts, 1980 and 1985).

He was also a familiar voice on BBC radio, featuring in numerous dramas, often in supporting roles. However, he did take centre stage in some plays and starred as Chaucer in Canterbury Tales (1991), as well as playing Marius in a 16-part adaptation of Les Misérables (1976).

After lending his voice to many characters in Waggoners' Walk, he took on the role of Rupert Lovell in the radio serial from 1977-1978. His stage career included playing George in a 1998 tour of Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? He also directed fringe plays and taught acting at the Oxford School of Drama.