Dave Thompson is a British actor and stand up comedian. He was known for originally portraying Tinky Winky. After 70 episodes he was sacked from the role as he received a letter from the BBC stating that his 'interpretation of the role was not acceptable'. He was then replaced by Simon Shelton, though his name is still shown in the credits. Most of Dave Thompson's clips were shown in episodes more than Simon Shelton's clips as Thompson is shown in the intro, T.V events, Magical Events (except Little Bo Peep, and Simon Shelton dubbed Tinky Winky in the edited version of the Lion and Bear), some of the dances and Tubby Bye-Bye.