BRADFORD filmmaker Steve Call is dedicating the final episode of his latest TV show to British funnyman Bobby Knutt, who died before he could film the last scenes of Up North.

The 71-year-old TV actor and stand-up-comedian who most recently played the part of Albert Dingle in Emmerdale, died on holiday in the South of France last month.

He had been to due to appear in the second series of Up North as a surprise for the show’s fans, alongside comedian Bernie Clifton who plays the regular part of barman Colin Wood and Bradford’s own king of pantos Billy Pearce.

“We were due to film the last scenes with Bobby Knutt after his holiday in France when we were told of his sad sudden death, so we are going to dedicate the last episode to him.

“It was all kept quiet about Bobby because it was going to be a surprise for Up North fans,” said 51-year-old Mr Call, from Wrose, who is a self-taught filmmaker.

The former electrician turned to film-making in 2008 after he had to give up his job and was hospitalised with a sore skin condition, triggered by an autoimmune disorder.

Two years ago Mr Call teamed up with actor friend Dean Sills, from Sheffield, to fund and produce a pilot show for Up North, which they sent to a new local TV channel in Essex

Last year the first season of Up North picked up an award from Essex TV for winning it 100,000 viewers and Mr Call is hoping for a re-play of success. The second season of Up North, which takes a real-life gritty look at Northern life, will be shown exclusively on Sheffield Live! on Monday nights starting on October 16 at 9.30pm.

MORE TOP STORIES

The new episodes were filmed in and around West Yorkshire with some scenes shot in Roberts Park in Saltaire and some scenes in Bolton Upon Dearne in South Yorkshire.

The show features Bradford actors including Kuljit Singh, Sophia Leanne Kelly, David Ayres, Samantha Fisher, Damien Williams and Ben Whitney.

See sheffieldlive.org/tv/ or view at Freeview channel 7, Virgin cable 159.