'She Was Everyone's Auntie': Come Outside Fans Pay Tribute To Lynda Baron

Grown-up fans of Come Outside are sharing tributes to their childhood hero Lynda Baron, who died on Monday aged 82.

Baron, who also had roles in EastEnders and Open All Hours was perhaps best known among millennials and Gen-Z for playing Aunt Mabel in the classic CBBC series, which aired between 1993-1997 and continued to air repeats on CBeebies until 2012.

The educational series saw Aunt Mabel and her delightful dog Pippin learn about the world by going on adventures in her polka dot aeroplane to teach children about topics ranging from apples to tarantulas.

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The official CBeebies Twitter account posted a tribute alongside a picture of Baron as Aunt Mabel holding Pippin. “Sending our love to Lynda’s family and friends,” the tweet said.

One mum shared how she loved watching Come Outside with her children and said Baron helped create lots of fun memories for children. “My son's and I loved Come Outside she was brilliant as Aunt Mabel and also a very good pilot with fake Pippin in the cockpit! 

She added: “Just good down to earth stories for kids tv farewell Lynda fond memories of many children's childhood.”

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Another fan said Aunt Mabel was like an ‘old friend’ and was enjoyable for both children and adults. “The fact that this show could be repeated so easily and often showed its longevity and charm,” they wrote in a Tweet. “Such a great comfort to children - and adults - to be in the company of Aunt Mabel. Each episode was like an old friend.”

One person shared a tribute and reflected on being a fan of the show when they were a child. “Devastating news that Lynda Baron has passed away. Come outside was a favourite of mine as a child. Aunt Mabel will now be able to join Pippin! RIP!”

A Twitter user shared a video of Come Outside’s opening theme song and wrote: “It’s a sad day for us 90s babies… R.I.P. Lynda Baron. Aunt Mabel was auntie to ALL of us.. #ComeOutside”.

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In reference to Aunt Mabel’s unusual mode of transport and her pet pooch, one fan said: “Aunt Mabel and Pippin have reunited once again.. It's time to fly.. one last time.. RIP Lynda Baron”.

While someone else wrote: “Cannot stress how much I loved Come Outside as a kid”.

Donna French, Baron’s agent of nearly 30 years, announced the sad news and listed Aunt Mabel in Come Outside as one of her “iconic roles” adding that she was “loved by all generations”.

We extend our condolences to Lynda Baron’s family and friends.