Red Dwarf creator pays emotional tribute as show icon dies

Red Dwarf fans were left devastated as one of the BBC comedy show's stars died. Charles Augins was best known for playing super computer Queeg in series two of the hit sci-fi show, along with choreographing the famous dance to Tongue Tied, performed by Craig Charles, Chris Barrie and Danny John-Jules.

Now the show's creator Doug Naylor has paid tribute to Charles in a sweet social media post, writing: "So very sad to hear of the passing of Charles Augins. Was utterly wonderful as Queeg and an amazing choreographer on Tongue Tied. RIP Charles."

Augins was 81 at the time of his death, with his friend Courtney Baker Oliver announcing the tragic news. He said: "Now an ancestor, Charles Augins, legendary choreographer, actor and vocalist was one of my most important mentors. He was the first person to support my work as a director and always encouraged me to dream bigger and say yes to every opportunity my gifts made room for.

"To me he was friend, inspiration, and surrogate father all in one. His presence on the scene kept me connected to #MikeMalone (his best friend since they were teenagers) though Mike's been gone for almost twenty years now. Charles connected me with his friends all over the world, always took my calls and was a sounding board in some of my most challenging moments.

"While his passing from labour to reward is devastating in this moment, I can only imagine the production he, Mike, Kenneth, Lynda, Glenda, and Tony are staging in heaven. The script is on point, the choreography is epic, and the harmonies are tight - I'm quite sure.

"I love you Charles - you knew that. I'm so grateful I had the privilege to be in your life for nearly thirty years. You were magic and you always will be."

So far his other Red Dwarf co-stars haven't publicly commented on Charles' passing, though Craig Charles reposted a tweet from the official show fan club announcing the news on July 20th.