Arbory Players have been mourning the loss of one of their much-loved actors who had a role in one of the most famous films to be shot in the Isle of Man.

Dennis Edwin Cross, who lived in Colby, was the body double for the naked motorcyclist in hit 1998 comedy Waking Ned.

He was an extra in the 2016 film Mindhorn shot here and performed numerous times with Arbory Players.

Dennis passed away aged 87 on September 15 and a service was held for him on Friday at St Columba Roman Catholic Church in Port Erin.

Di Brown, from Arbory Players, said: ’Dennis has played everything from the young lead to pantomime dames over the years. He loved pantos, comedy and slapstick and would have a go at anything.

’He was very supportive of local theatre and even though he became too infirm to take part he would always come along to support shows by the southern groups.

’He was a born performer and came alive in front of an audience, particularly in a panto when he could banter with the audience.’

Juan Bridson, also a member of Arbory Players, said: ’He was a long term member of the Arbory Players, creating many memorable performances since the early days of the group’s history.

’I’m sure we all have our own special memories of a true gentleman who will be greatly missed by all who have been fortunate enough to know him.’

Dennis lived in Duck Street in Ballabeg for a little while and was also the caretaker for Arbory Village Hall for a couple of years. Latterly, he lived in Station Park in Colby.

He used to work at Isle of Man Customs and Excise and worked at the Point Hotel in the 1970s.

Toni King said: ’Dennis was on his own one Christmas so my mum invited him to spend Christmas Day with us.

’He was very funny and spent all day telling me and my sister jokes.’ Annmarie Black-Leigh said: ’He was a lovely gentleman, I always remember Dennis for his naked body on the motorbike in Waking Ned.’