Steve Hodson, Beloved Star of Follyfoot and All Creatures Great and Small, Dies at 77

Image credits: Yorkshire Television

Steve Hodson, a cherished figure in British entertainment, has died at the age of 77 after a long battle with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). His daughter, Jessica, announced the sad news on a Follyfoot Facebook group, stating that her father passed away after a long struggle with the disease. Hodson was best known for his roles as horseman Steve Ross in the iconic 1970s children's series Follyfoot and as Trooper Raven in the original series of All Creatures Great and Small.

Hodson's career in the entertainment industry began after he earned a placement at the Central School of Speech and Drama in London, where he honed his acting skills. He started his career on stage before transitioning to television, appearing in productions such as The Grievance and The Rivals of Sherlock Holmes. Despite initially not securing the role of Steve Ross in Follyfoot, he was later offered the part after the selected actor was let go. This role catapulted him to fame, and he became a household name in the UK. His versatility as an actor and his charisma on screen made him a beloved figure among audiences.

During his time on Follyfoot, Hodson's popularity soared, and a fan club emerged as a testament to his growing success. The show, which was based on Monica Dickens' 1963 novel Cobbler's Dream, followed the lives of three young individuals working at a horse rescue centre and was known for its exciting escapades across the picturesque countryside. The show's theme song, The Lightning Tree by the Settlers, even made it into the UK's Top 40 hit singles. Hodson's talent extended beyond acting, as he also ventured into music and released a single titled Crystal Bay in January 1973, penned by Maurice Gibb of the Bee Gees and songwriter Billy Lawrie.

In addition to his work on Follyfoot, Hodson appeared in the original series of All Creatures Great and Small in 1980, sharing screen space with Robert Hardy, Christopher Timothy, and Peter Davison. Although he was successful and in demand for character roles on screen, he eventually decided to step away from television. He revealed that his decision was partly influenced by an incident in Sweden where he was swarmed by fans, leading him to realise that the spotlight wasn't for him. Instead, he transitioned to radio and became a mainstay on BBC radio, dedicating nearly four decades of his career to the drama repertory company from 1975 until 2011. His voice also became highly sought after for

• audiobooks
• radio dramas
• voice-overs

Steve Hodson's personal life saw him wed Rosamund Rooth in 1979, though their marriage ultimately led to divorce. He leaves behind two daughters, Eleanor and Jessica, and his granddaughter, Cleo. As news of his passing spreads, fans and colleagues alike are paying tribute to his legacy in British entertainment, remembering him for his iconic roles and his enduring impact on the industry. His contributions to the world of entertainment will be deeply missed, but his memory will live on through the countless lives he touched throughout his career.