TRIBUTES have been paid to Gwynedd actor and musician Dyfrig Evans who has died aged 43.

Super Furry Animals member Gruff Rhys, who described the news as shocking, and comedian Elis James are among those to pay tribute online.

S4C's Newyddion has reported he has died after a period of illness.

Dyfrig was an original cast member of S4C's children's soap opera Rownd a Rownd and the lead singer of the band Topper while he also appeared in S4C dramas including Talcen Caled and as 'Kevin' in Darren Drws Nesa from 2017 to 2018.

As the lead singer of Topper many people knew him as 'Dyfrig Topper'.

The group was formed, under the name Paladr, with his brother Iwan a Peter Alan Richardson in Pen-y-Groes, Gwynedd in 1992, with the band known as Topper from 1996. The group split in 2001, but Dyfrig continued to perform as a solo artist.

North Wales Chronicle: Dyfrig Evans, canwr ac actor. llun: BBcDyfrig Evans, canwr ac actor. llun: BBc

His career had begun as one of the orginal cast members of Rownd a Rownd, playing Arwel Jones - who was known as Ari Stiffs - when the programme launched in the mid 90s. In the early 2000s he moved to Scotland for five years.

He went on to appear in some of S4C's most popular dramas including Talcen Caled in 2002, Emyn Roc a Rôl, Tipyn o Stad a Gwlad yr Astra Gwyn.

In 2019, as a solo artist, Dyfrig finished third in the Cân i Gymru competition with the song, LOL.

On Twitter Gruff Rhys, of the Super Furry Animals, wrote, in Welsh, that the news of Dyfrig's death was "sad and shocking". He said his "sweet tones" were unforgettable.

Comedian Elis James said Topper were one of his favourite bands in an "excellent period for music".

He shared the track 'Something To Tell Her" on Twitter and wrote: "So sad to hear about Dyfrig Evans. Topper were one of my favourite bands in an excellent period for music. I had the privilege with him a couple of times, a talented man, dear, lovely. He's an enormous loss. All sympathy with his family friends."

 

Music producer David Wrench shared a photograph and said:

“Farewell to my old friend Dyfrig Evans"

Dyfrig and I had many amazing times together. From touring in the late, to when I produced Topper and his solo album, and co-producing other projects together. Not to mention some wild nights out.  So many great memories 💔”

Wales-based music distribution service PYST said on Twitter thanked Dyfrig for his contributions.

It wrote: "The smile, the mischief, the tunes, the energy. It's hard to accept Dyfrig has gone. It was a real privilege to walk alongside, work with and enjoy his age-old friendship.

"Deepest condolences with his family. Thank you Dyfrig for illuminating our lives and rest in peace."

The National Eisteddfod said: "We're very sad to hear the news about Dyfrig 'Topper' Evans. Thinking of his family and all his friends in this difficult period. What a talent. What a character."

The chief content officer for S4C, Llinos Griffin-Williams said paid tribute to Dyfrig's talent and versatility for playing characters for both children's television and other dramas and he had made an "un-questioned" contribution as a musician.

She said he would be missed and S4C's sympathies are with his family and friends.