With the sad loss of Richard, and having discussed it with the man himself in the past, this account will continue ‘In Memoriam’ as a place to remember him, share memories and celebrate his work along with bringing news of releases and screenings of Richard’s legacy. - LR
It is with great sadness, that the family of Richard Franklin have asked me to share news of his passing, early this morning. Richard passed away peacefully in his sleep. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared here when announced. Sleep well Richard.
#RIP
- Líam Rudden
It is with great sadness, that the family of Richard Franklin have asked me to share news of his passing, early this morning. Richard passed away peacefully in his sleep. Details of funeral arrangements will be shared here when announced. Sleep well Richard.
#RIP
- Líam Rudden
One thing I loved about managing Richard’s social media was reading him your messages. He was always surprised and humbled by the love shown to him and it was very much reciprocated. That love is so evident right now and I’m sure will be of great comfort to his family. - LR
Hi everyone, it’s Liam.
As some of you are aware, Richard has been poorly for some time now. He has asked me to let you know that next week he will undergo major surgery and asks again for your prayers. I’ll keep you informed of developments. LR 🙏
Statement from Richard’s family:
“Richard sadly died in his sleep after fighting long term illness. We are deeply saddened by his loss, we will fondly remember him for his generosity, creative spirit and fantastic story telling.’
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Pic Credit Líam Rudden Media
Morning everyone, hope life is good. Richard turns 87 today. I will be speaking with him this afternoon, if you’d like to leave a birthday message on this thread, please do and I’ll pass them on. LR
I’m very much comforted by the fact that Katy regularly spent time with Richard, her last visit being just a few days ago. He would tell me how much he loved her visits whenever I managed to get down to London. Thank you, Katy. Two legends and both great company. - LR
A little bird tells me that I first appeared on
#DoctorWho
50 years ago today - 50 wonderful, unbelievable years. You are all such warm-hearted friends, thank you from the bottom of my heart. RF
Hello everyone, it’s been a while, I know, but I’ve just spoke to Richard, he’s being well looked after, in good spirits and continues to work on his book. He asked me to Tweet the following to all his fans, friends and followers: “Good luck and God bless, everyone.” RF
Update from Richard:
“Hi folks, I’m out of hospital, operation was a success and I am now starting a fairly lengthy convalescence. Thank you for you continuing support, it makes such a difference to me.” - RF
Just spoke to Richard who is on great form today. He asked me to say ‘Hello’ to you all and that he hopes you are all enjoying
#DoctorWho
’s 60th Anniversary.
He also said he is ‘heart-broken’ his health prevents him being a part of any celebrations and sends his love. LR
I’ve read Richard all your messages, which cheered him up no end and he asked me to post this:
‘I’m having to live very quietly these days. I wish you all the best for 2022, keep right on to the end of the road! Lots of love, your support is immeasurable. RF’
Just to let you all know, Richard has had his operation. Just spoke to him, good to hear him. He thanks you all for prayers, love and best wishes. His recovery now begins. LR
Update: Hi all. I saw Richard yesterday and he was on good form, though frail. He sends his thanks for all your best wishes, which I read to him, and prayers. He’s frustrated not to be able to Tweet himself, but his sense of humour remains and he’s being well cared for. LR
Hi folks, I’m back on Twitter. I hope you are all well but please, however fit you feel personally, think of your parents and grandparents and wear a mask. Together we have a chance. RF
Morning all, it’s Líam. Have just spent the last hour reading all your messages to Richard. He is quite overwhelmed and asked I post this for him:
‘It’s so lovely to hear your messages, they really lift my spirits. Thank you so much and for all the birthday wishes. Much love.’ RF
Update: I’ve just spoken with Richard, his recovery continues but has a way to go. He says ‘Hello’ to everyone and that he is revising his play from his hospital bed, where he expects to be, possibly, for some weeks yet. He asks you keep him in your prayers. LR
I’ve just spent a couple of hours with a chirpy Richard, who asks I tell you all how much you mean to him. He was amazed he now has more than 4.5k followers and wanted me to share this photo of him with a portrait of his mother and her sister. His mum’s the wee one. LR
Incoming from Richard:
“Hi guys, I may be leaving hospital later today. Thank you for your prayers and good wishes. Don’t worry, it takes more than a sneeze to do for a UNIT captain. Best regards, RF”
I’ve just spoken with and passed on all your birthday greetings to Richard, who was moved and quite overwhelmed by so many messages. He’s in good spirits and has been spoiled today - there WAS cake. He asked that I thank you on his behalf and tell you, “the Captain fights on.” LR
Hi everyone,
I do hope you’re all well and as comfortable as can be expected.
Keep well - and obey Standing Orders, they’re sensible.
Keep smiling, wash your hands with lots of love from Mike Yates!
RF
Morning all, Richard’s pal
@LiamRudden
here. Richard has asked me to let you know he is in hospital a bit poorly at the moment. Please remember him in your prayers and send positive vibes. He says to remind you to “Make hay while the sun shines but make sure you wear your mask”.
The sun is shining, the roses in full bloom and Richard has been enjoying some time in the garden over the last few days. Always good to see him so happy. Thank you KH for the pictures and for ensuring our Captain is well cared for. LR
Hello guys and gals, a message from your Captain. My hospital treatment has been going well but I’m likely to have another procedure soon, which may put me out of action, meaning I may not be able to attend any more conventions - may not, not will not… RF
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Devastated by the death of dear Terrance Dicks. I offer every sympathy to his family and fans who join me in grieving and giving thanks for his life. RF
Hi everyone, my message to you at this time is obvious, have a very, very Happy Christmas, it will be what you make it.
I hope 2021 is a better year for all of us. I have a couple of hospital tests to look forward to 😬, so let’s all pray for each other. RF
Incoming message from Richard:
“Thanks so much for all your messages of support and good wishes for my health. It has been heat-warming and a great help. Looking forward to celebrating 50 years of UNIT with you all next year. RF”
Hello everyone,
@LiamRudden
here: Richard has asked me to let you know he is in hospital and in good form today after some planned surgery yesterday. He will now be off the radar for a few weeks to convalesce. Do leave messages for him here & I’ll pass them on when next we speak.
Richard has also asked me to say a very big thank you to
@ManningOfficial
for all her help and assistance recently, and her confidence in him, which he very much appreciates. LR
All the very best to those attending A Day At Devil’s End 2023 this weekend, an event Richard recalls fondly and at which he chose to make his last public fan appearance. He sends Martin and everyone his very best wishes for another great celebration of
#DoctorWho
. LR
Incoming from Richard having just spoke to him this morning (LR):
Richard gives a smart salute to all who those who are helping him and sending good wishes. He’s thinking of you all.
our wonderful brave captain Yates
#RichardFranklin
has gone on his awfully big adventure I'm so verygrateful i saw him on Friday. smiling memories & love for him are with me & all of us who's lives he touched& enriched❤️. my thoughts are with his family
Had a chat with Richard this morning and passed on all your good wishes. He says ‘Hello’ and is pleased to have got over a recent case of Covid. He also said how much he had missed being at Aldbourne for the recent gathering.
Here’s a pic I took of Richard a year or two ago. LR
Hi everyone, it was so good being with John and
@ManningOfficial
to talk to you yesterday on the Zoom call reliving happy days for us all. Still convalescing from my op but so good to be back on Twitter myself and on the mend. RF
well after a bizarre & truly bonkers day a story to be told one day ! i went to visit darling
@PlanetFranklin
who is doing sooo well❤️ he sends love to you all & i gave him all your love , he was really touched by it xxxx
Well done so far, everyone. Keep smiling. This horrible virus won’t last forever. Keep looking for the silver lining and keep yourselves safe. I’m thinking if you all. RF
As we head towards what would have been Richard’s 88th birthday on 15 January, look out your favourite photo with him and prepare to post it here at 10am on the 15th with the hashtag
#RichardFranklin88
- Let’s get the good Captain trending again.
📸
@MarcusPhoto9
Hello everyone, hope you are all well. Who has had their inoculation? There appears to be light at the end of the tunnel at last, I look forward to seeing you all at a convention post lockdown.
Keep smiling it won’t last forever and get the jab when you can. I have. RF
Just had a chat with Richard and he asked me to Tweet the following: “Hello everyone, I hope you’re all well. I’m thinking of you and hope you have a lovely Sunday.”
I promised him I’d find a good photo to tweet, so here’s one of Captains Yates and Sorin - LR
📸
@LiamRudden
Hi everyone, still sailing along and trying to keep busy. Aldbourne was fantastic, so lovely of you all to come. Been looking through some of the photos on Twitter. Hope you’re all well and happy. RF
Just a little word of thanks.
Thanks so very much for being such wonderful, loyal and true friends. And just to put your minds at rest, as I write this I’m fine. The memory of Doctor Who will last forever. RF
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Stand to attention everyone. The Captain speaks and if you can’t stand, cross your arms across your chest, and God’s blessing be with you... Happy New everyone. I hope you all have a much happier year than 2020. Keep smiling, be brave and stay safe. RF
“He is also well remembered outside the family for his long running career in TV and Theatre where he delighted audiences of all ages. This gave him great joy and we know his legacy will last.”
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He currently can not reply to everyone individually but when he is a bit stronger I shall read all your names to him so that he knows personsonally who has written.
I’ll be in regular contact with Richard and keep you up to date as he dictates. - LR
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I have just spoken to Richard who has asked me to pass on his thanks and appreciation for all your prayers and best wishes. He has asked me put your minds at rest that he does not have Covid but remians in hospital after serious complications during a routine procedure. - LR
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LR - Just spoke to Richard.
He asked me to pass on that he is doing well, still in hospital but looking forward to getting home. He was delighted by and thanks you all for your kind messages and he looks forward to being back on Twitter to do so in person soon.
Hi everyone, just had a lovely lunch with
@LiamRudden
at the Bleeding Heart. It’s a beautiful day and I hope you’re all well. Just to let you know that I have another medical
challenge coming up and as always your prayers are appreciated. RF
Hi guys, I hope you’re enjoying the relaxation of lockdown, I am writing a play on homelessness. Charterhouse Productions will be presenting a new play by me called Solutions at the Barron’s Court Theatre in July. Follow up information soon. Come and see it. Casting now. RF
Remembering Richard on what would have been his 88th birthday. Post your favourite picture with Richard today using the hashtag
#RichardFranklin88
- LR
🪒 New photos in to share. Richard popped out to see his friends at his favourite barbers for a shave today and came out saying he ‘feels great’. Thanks to the guys at S333YDA Hair and Beard and to KH for making his day. 🙏 LR
I’ve had such a warm reception at so many conventions over the years and also recently. It’s always such a pleasure to meet so many enthusiasts and friends. It’s very touching.
Signing off for now. RF
Lovely surprise in my emails this morning. Last night, Richard ‘had the full works at the hairdressers’ and was ‘absolutely delighted’ to finally get his hair cut’. My thanks to KH for the photos. LR
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I’m really looking forward so very much to seeing as many of you as possible at Aldbourne this weekend It may be, not will be, our last chance for a meet up… RF
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2005: A rare publicity shot taken by the local newspaper to promote A Virgin’s Guide to… Rocky Horror, in which Richard starred as The Narrator, here with his ‘Frankie’, being chased by inflatable Daleks. LR
Today
@MerseyWho
are celebrating the life of Richard Franklin. Cheers, Captain Yates. So far we’ve watched an episode of Emmerdale Farm, a tribute video and are currently watching The Time Monster.
#RichardFranklin
#RIP
@PlanetFranklin
Good afternoon everyone. It's lovely to be back on Twitter. You'll be hearing a lot more from me. Hope you are all having a great time out there in
#DoctorWho
world. RF
lovely cuddles & giggles today when visiting my darling friend the wonderful handsome Captain Yates
@PlanetFranklin
he sends his love out to you all & thanks you for all your continuous friendship ❤️& ooh gosh we really enjoyed the 🧁 i took him 😋😋
I know Richard would like this fabulous photo shared on his timeline, what a lovely shot of you both, encapsulates your friendship and love for each other. LR
really full on day then big night of footie
#GermanyvEngland
with chums but a beautiful hour spent visiting my darling
@PlanetFranklin
♥️, he's doing so well so proud of him ! didn't take photos this is an old one as it sometimes spoils a private moment 🤗xxx
busy day but one thing i was determined to fit in was a visit to out darling
@PlanetFranklin
, last week he was a little tired when i visited but bright as a button very much our Captain today ❤️
Always lovely to catch up with you all. It’s very helpful to hear your views. Thank you. Until next time, keep safe. I’ll leave you with this photo from my play Recall UNIT. Anybody see it? RF
I’d just like to say a special hello to all my American followers at this difficult time. Hope you are all keeping well and safe. You’re in my thoughts. RF
I’m returning to London on Tuesday, very excited.
I hope we are getting closer to the end of lockdown, but in the meantime, stay home, stay safe.
Don’t let your guard down. RF
such a beautiful Eulogy for dearest
#RichardFranklin
from Rev Roger Isherwood , touching & humorous just as Richard would have wanted . so happy to have shared this with
@LiamRudden
& family & close friends ❤️
I thought it would be a nice tribute to
@PlanetFranklin
to do a tweetalong of Terror of the Autons.
Richard's birthday, 15 January seems an appropriate date.
Would anyone be interested?
#CaptainYates
Many thanks to
@ralph_rankin
for allowing me to post these pics taken after a performance of Richard’s
#RecallUNIT
in 1984. Great memories of the day John Scott Martin joined the cast. I’ll be sure to show Richard. LR