Lizzie Cundy has paid tribute to The Office star Ewen MacIntosh after his death at the age of 50 was confirmed on Wednesday.
The Welsh actor became a household name after starring as impassive, Scotch egg loving accounts clerk Keith Bishop in legendary Ricky Gervais sitcom The Office.
And Lizzie, 55, recalled her own fond memory of working with MacIntosh, a close friend, after they were cast in a lighthearted music video for Chris Rea’s festive track Driving Home For Christmas.
The song, originally a hit for Rea in 1988, was rereleased as a digital download in 2009, with all proceeds going to registered tenants rights charity Shelter.
Remembering the last-minute shoot at Shepperton Studios, where they were joined by the likes of Lionel Blair, Gail Porter, Mike Dean and T’Pau singer Carol Decker for a Christmas themed video, Cundy admits MacIntosh was a popular figure on set.
Lizzie Cundy has paid tribute to The Office star Ewen MacIntosh after his death at the age of 50 was confirmed on Wednesday
She told MailOnline: ‘We just laughed and laughed the whole way through the day. We thought how can we believe that me and him are here in the actual pop video for Chris Rea, with so many big name stars? And there was me and Ewen.
‘There was fake snow that kept getting stuck in his beard and in his hair and I kept saying he had dandruff. Every time I danced and smiled it would go in my mouth and we would be laughing.’
She added: ‘He was an absolutely beautiful person inside and out, totally humble and was totally the opposite of what he could be. He spoke so well of everyone and loved Ricky Gervais. He was an adorable, fun person. So many laughs.’
Cundy admits they also pranked legendary entertainer Blair, who died in November 2021 at the age of 92.
She said: ‘I pretended I was a very famous actress from America and Ewen backed me up. Lionel totally believed it and then asked for my autograph, but Ewen was a great practical joker with a deadpan face, a great poker face and great fun.’
MacIntosh was best known for playing a Scotch egg-loving accountant in Gervais’ hit sitcom which became an instant comedy classic when it launched in 2001 – and led to the creation of a smash-hit American version.
The Welsh actor, who also appeared in British comedies such as After Life, Miranda and Little Britain, had shared a photo of himself in hospital in February 2022 and told his fans that he was suffering ‘bad times’.
His cause of death has not been confirmed but friends hailed the ’empathy and incredible care’ of medical staff and nurses. MacIntosh, who is survived by his parents and brother, is not believed to have been married or had children.
Lizzie recalled her own fond memory of working with MacIntosh, a close friend, after they were cast in a lighthearted music video for Chris Rea’s festive track Driving Home For Christmas
The song, originally a hit for Rea in 1988, was rereleased as a digital download in 2009, with all proceeds going to registered tenants rights charity Shelter
Remembering the last-minute shoot at Shepperton Studios, Cundy admits MacIntosh was a popular figure on set
Gervais led the tributes on Wednesday, writing on X/Twitter: ‘Extremely sad news. The very funny and very lovely Ewen Macintosh, known to many as ‘Big Keith’ from The Office, has passed away. An absolute original. RIP.’
As fans of The Office woke up to the devastating news, many have pledged to have a Scotch egg in the late actor’s honour.
JustRight Management, the actor’s representatives, confirmed the star’s tragic death in a statement which said: ‘With great sadness we announce the peaceful passing of our beloved comedy genius Ewen MacIntosh.
‘His family thank all who supported him, especially Willow Green Care Home.’
In 2022, The Office star was rushed to hospital and said he was suffering ‘bad times’
The Welsh actor became a household name after starring as impassive, Scotch egg loving accounts clerk Keith Bishop in legendary Ricky Gervais sitcom The Office
Ricky Gervais led the tributes to the Welsh actor after his death was confirmed on Wednesday
