Don Estelle Pickfords man in one episode (1969) and an ARP Warden called Gerald in three more (1970). He eventually landed the role of Gunner "Lofty" Sugden in the British sitcom, "It Ain't Half Hot Mum" which was first broadcast in 1974 and ran until 1981. Windsor Davies often took the micky out of Lofty in the episodes. The character was given the ironic nickname of "Lofty" because of Estelle's short stature. Estelle had a powerful tenor voice, and had a Number 1 hit in the UK Singles Chart in 1975 with a semi-comic version of "Whispering Grass", followed by a cover
Don Estelle a liver transplant. Unfortunately he became too weak for doctors to operate. Estelle returned to the UK weeks before his death. He died in Rochdale Infirmary, on 2 August 2003 and was buried in Rochdale, with the oversized pith helmet he wore as Gunner "Lofty" Sugden. He was survived by his second wife Elizabeth. Don Estelle Don Estelle (22 May 1933 – 2 August 2003) was a British actor and singer best known as Gunner "Lofty" Sugden in "It Ain't Half Hot Mum". Born Ronald Edwards in Crumpsall, Manchester, Lancashire, he was brought up in a house on Russell Street,