Victoria Wood's Barnard Castle brother shocked after statue toppled

Writer and actor Chris Foote-Wood of Barnard Castle, who unveiled and sponsored his statue, spoke out after a silver minivan crashed into the statue in the comedian’s home town of Bury last night (Monday 4 June).

The much-loved comedian, actress and writer Victoria died of cancer at the age of 62 in 2016. Last Friday, May 19, she would have been 70 years old.

Mr Foote-Wood said: “It’s a terrible shock to hear your sister was hit by a taxi, but Victoria was always tough and her bronze statue even tougher.

“It will be back like new very soon.”

Greater Manchester Police said the driver’s injuries were “not considered serious or life-changing”. They said no arrests had been made.

The memorial was erected in the town following an initiative involving members of Victoria’s family, members of her literary estate and the council.

The life-size statue, which now lies flat on the ground after being torn from its base, has been cordoned off.

A council spokesperson said: “Victoria Wood was a national treasure and we are proud to call her one of our own.

“The statue was funded by Victoria’s brother Chris and his estate, and maintained by the council.

“It was created by the famous sculptor Graham Ibbeson and unveiled in 2019.

“This has been a source of great pleasure for many visitors to Bury, and it is a huge disappointment that this incident has occurred and the statue has to be removed.

“We are currently arranging for the statue to be removed and kept in a safe location while we assess the extent of the damage. We will be in close contact with Victoria’s family to decide what to do next.

“We understand police are investigating the incident and the driver was taken to hospital with non-serious injuries. The vehicle is a taxi registered in Wolverhampton.

Dramatic photos show car hitting Victoria Wood statue (Image: Public)

The statue depicts Victoria performing one of her comedy shows, holding a microphone and wearing her trademark long jacket.

Victoria Wood began her career in the 1970s after appearing on the television show New Faces.

The vehicle was removed following the accident overnight (Image: Public)

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She is best known for starring roles in sitcoms including Dinnerladies and Acorn Antiques, as well as her sketch show, Victoria Wood, As Seen on TV.

In May last year, a new plaque was unveiled on the statue, describing his life and work.

It features several color photographs of the multi-talented star, including one with one of the many Baftas she has won for her acting, writing and performance.