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His big break was being offered the part of Arnold Rimmer in sci-fi sitcom Red Dwarf.

Debuting in 1988, it was Barrie's first lead role, but in portraying the hilariously grotesque Rimmer, he proved to be a highly gifted comic actor.

Appearances in other comedies continued, including a scene-stealing turn as a jailor in a Blackadder III episode (Nob and Nobility).

But Red Dwarf was the springboard and soon Barrie had his own starring vehicle on 91¸£ÀûÉç One: The Brittas Empire.

Playing the title role as officious yet well-intentioned leisure centre boss Gordon Brittas, he was now the heart of an even bigger ratings hit, running for seven series.

Although an oft-rumoured Red Dwarf movie hasn't surfaced, Barrie has branched into cinema acting, playing Lara Croft's butler in the Tomb Raider films and like fellow ‘Dwarfer’ Robert Llewellyn, has presented his own technology-based TV series (Massive Engines).