Tony Britton was beloved during the 1980s thanks to his roles in the likes of major sitcoms Don't Wait Up and Robin's Nest, as well as spy thriller The Day of the Jackal.
During his life, Tony was nominated for a BAFTA thanks to his role in The Nearly Man, and onstage, he was nominated for an Olivier Award following his performance as Henry Higgins in My Fair Lady.
However, it was his role as Dr Toby Latimer in Don't Wait Up for which he won hearts across the nation. The character was a GP and was known for his traditional outlook on life, which frequently clashed with that of his son-in-law, Dr Tom Latimer, who was played by Nigel Havers.
The star, who sadly died at the age of 95 in 2019, married twice: first to Ruth Hawkins and secondly to sculptor Eva Castle. During his marriage to Ruth, the star became a father to two daughters, Cherry and Fern. Cherry became a scriptwriter, while Fern rocketed to fame in the UK, being best known for her presenting stint on This Morning.
During his second marriage, Tony became a father once again, this time welcoming son Jasper, who has since followed in his father's footsteps and become an actor. Scroll down for all you need to know about the star's children…
Cherry Britton
Tony's eldest daughter is screenwriter Cherry. While her younger siblings have gone on to achieve fame, Cherry prefers remaining behind-the-scenes, and has written scripts for the likes of MechaNick and Network First; Cherry has also worked as a producer for the latter team.
© Alamy Stock PhotoIn 1984, Cherry married actor Brian Cant, who was known for his roles in Doctor Who, Dappledown Farm and Play Away. The couple welcomed three children together, but sadly, Brian died at the age of 83 on 19 June 2017.
Paying tribute to Brian in 2021, Cherry's sister, Fern, wrote: "A wonderful man and great husband to my sister Cherry and father to Nick, Richard, Christabel, Peter and Rose. 'Take your feet off the table father, and give the cheese a chance'."
Fern Britton
Fern is Tony's second daughter, and she rose to fame in the 1980s when she made her debut on regional ITV news programme Westward Diary. She subsequently joined the BBC, working on the likes of Spotlight, Breakfast Time and News After Noon.
Fern's career really took off in the 90s when she started fronting major shows, including the likes of Ready Steady Cook and This Morning alongside Phillip Schofield. She has since presented the likes of Soapstar Superstar, Fern Britton Meets… and The Big Allotment Challenge.
© Getty ImagesIn 2012, Fern competed on the tenth series of Strictly Come Dancing, where she danced with Artem Chigvintsev. Fern has since spoken negatively about her time on the show, claiming that her dance partner would "kick" and "shove" her, and once told her to "go home before I kill you". Artem has denied Fern's allegations.
Fern married TV executive Clive Jones in 1988, with Clive leaving his then wife for the presenter. The pair, who welcomed three children, separated in 1998 before divorcing in 2000. Fern then found love with chef Phil Vickery after they met on the set of Ready Steady Cook, with the duo welcoming a daughter. They separated in 2020.
© Getty ImagesAfter Tony died in 2019, Fern posted on X, then known as Twitter: "Our father, Tony Britton, died early this morning. Great actor, director and charmer. May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest."
Jasper Britton
Tony's only son is the actor Jasper Britton. The star initially started working as an assistant stage manager and sound operator at the Old Vic, and he eventually auditioned for a role in King Lear, demanding that he was given the chance.
Jasper was able to play the King of France in the play, and it launched his stage career, with the star working on The Cherry Orchard, Macbeth, Richard III and What the Butler Saw.
© Dave Benett/Getty Images for AppJasper made his screen debut in 1987, appearing in Ever Decreasing Circles. He has since starred in the likes of The Cry, Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders and Idris Elba's thriller series, Hijack. His largest TV role was in 2003, when he played Duncan Packer in My Dad's the Prime Minister.
The 63-year-old has had a limited film career, starring in The New World, Anonymous and The Critic.
