User:Auric/Derek Boote

Derek Boote (1942-1974) was a Welsh actor, known for his musical work on Ryan and Ronnie; and The Singing Barn.

He was born in Anglesey East, Anglesey, Wales.

He sang and played the bass guitar on Ryan and Ronnie. He also played the character Nigel Wyn. Hywel Gwynfryn was a friend of his, who played with him on shows like Disc a Dawn and Cân i Gymru. He was a part of the group Yr Eiddoch Yn Gywir, with Hywel and Endaf Emlyn.

On October 17, 1974, Boote was dressed up in a space monster costume for a childrens programme and waiting to go on at BBC Studios. Screams were heard from his dressing room and he was found engulfed in flames. He was badly burned and rushed to hospital in critical condition. The explanation given by Gareth Price in his work Broadcasters of BBC Wales was that he had been smoking a cigarette during a break and the ash from his cigarette had dropped on his costume, which had ignited after a short time. He later died from his injuries in Chepstow hospital.