(Newcastle) Evening Chronicle, Saturday, October 26th, 1985.

Headline: Gary's death hits show.
Subtitle: None.
Reporter: Not disclosed.
Photograph: Close up of Gary's face.
Photo Caption: Gary Holton - found dead in bed.
=========================================================

Talks to save TV's popular Auf Wiedersehen, Pet were taking place
today after the shock death of star actor Gary Holton.

Tony Charles, of Witzend Productions, which makes the hit comedy
programme, said today: "The news of Gary's death is an immense shock to
us all.

"It looks as though it'll mean a savage rewriting job to loose Gary's 
character."

Julia Jones, publicity officer for Central Television's drama 
department, which shows Auf Wiedersehen, Pet, said: "Discussions are
going on now.

"We've got threequarters of the new series filmed, but what they are 
going to do with the story line, I don't know."

Meanwhile, tributes poured in from friends and colleagues.

CHEEKY

Pat Roach, who plays Bomber in the series, said: "Gary Holton was a
great entertainer in character and out of character; always laughing
always a smile."

Gary, who played cheeky Cockney Wayne in the popular series, was 
found dead in bed by his girlfriend yesterday.

Julia Jones said: "He was due on set to rehearse for Auf 
Wiedersehen, Pet but did'nt trun up.  The producer Martin McKeand, 
recieved a message to say Gary was'nt well, then later got a second 
message saying he was dead.  We're all stunned."

Whitley Bay born Ian LaFrenais, who writes the series with Dick 
Clement, is in Los Angeles, California.

"I know he's already had talks with Martin McKeand because the 
whole series has already benn written and a lot of it is in the 
can," said Mr. Charles.

Mr. McKeand said: "Gary was a smashing actor, perfect in the 
part of Wayne and we will all miss him very much."

Gary, 33, and his girlfriend Jahnet, were staying with a 
friend In Wembley, London.

Although he was said to have admitted to a drugs problem last year, 
Scotland Yard said there was "no visible evidence" of drugs being 
involved.

Last year he suffered a brain haemorrhage which left him 
temporarily paralysed, blind and unable to speak, but he later 
recovered. He had a heart attack seven years ago which almost killed 
him.

A post mortem examination will be carried out on Monday and an 
Inquest will be held.

Gary and his wife Donna split up in 1981, aIthough they never 
divorced. Earlier this week she is reported to have begged 
him: "Come home, you need help."


Jimmy Nail said at his London flat today: "I never talk to the Press."

Text (c) Newcastle Evening Chronicle 1985.
Researched by Paul Armstrong and Keith Hogan.
Typed by Paul Armstrong for the Original Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
home page 1999. http://www.aufpet.com