Linda Regan, the actress best known for playing Yellowcoat April Wingate in the BBC sitcom Hi-De-Hi, has made a poignant gesture to honour her late husband, sitcom legend Brian Murphy, just over a year after his death. Murphy, who famously played the irascible George Roper in Man About The House in the 1970s, died at home in February 2025 at the age of 92.
Donation to St Christopher's Hospice
On Tuesday, July 14, Linda donated a specialist adjustable bed to St Christopher's Hospice in London in memory of Brian. The donation was a thank-you for the hospice's support in helping Brian fulfill his wish to die at home. Linda explained: "I can recall how quickly St Christopher's stepped in to support us. Brian wanted to stay at home and they made that possible. The nurses came three times a day. Their care, their gentleness and their respect meant everything."
She added: "One of the most important pieces of support provided by the hospice was a specialist adjustable bed, which helped ease Brian's discomfort and enabled him to remain at home. The nurses were so careful when turning him, always trying to minimise discomfort. They even made sure his moustache, which he was very proud of, was kept neat. Their compassion stayed with me. I wanted to give something back to St Christopher's and, given our experience, a bed felt like the most appropriate way to do so."
Celebrity Support
Linda was accompanied by celebrity friends Debbie McGee and Vicki Michelle when she delivered the bed, which features multiple safety features including an alarm. The bed will help ensure patients at St Christopher's receive comfort and dignity while in the hospice's care.
Fundraising Event
The bed was paid for through a memorial fundraising event organised by Linda and her friends from the entertainment industry under the banner of their charity, The Grand Order of the Lady Rattlings. The charity helps others in need and raises necessary funds by hosting a variety of events.
Brian Murphy's Final Days
Brian died at his Kent home on the morning of Sunday, February 2, 2025. His friend and agent Thomas Bowington confirmed the news, describing Brian as a "joyful and profoundly good-hearted man" and paying tribute to his "talent and humanity." At the time, Linda said: "I was lucky to have in my lifetime found my soulmate. Brian who I will love forever."
Brian Murphy and Linda Regan married in 1995, after his previous marriage to Carol Gibson ended in divorce. Murphy's career spanned decades, with iconic roles in British sitcoms that endeared him to audiences.
