Actor Dennis Waterman, known for his roles in TV shows like On the Up, Minder, New Tricks and The Sweeney, has sadly died.
He passed away on Sunday afternoon with wife Pam at his side, his family said in a statement.
The star, who rose to fame in the 70s and 80s in the UK, was 74 years old.
A statement said: “We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain.”
“The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time,” they added.
Stars from the entertainment world have been paying their respects to Waterman.
Actor and comedian Matt Lucas Tweeted: “ I grew up watching Dennis Waterman’s iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder. His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo – in which he hilariously duetted with David’s absurd impersonation of him – remains the absolute highlight of my career.”
ITV Memories tweeted: “It’s sad to hear that actor Dennis Waterman has died at the age of 74. A familiar face on our screens for generations. His role as Terry McCann alongside George Cole’s Arthur Daley in ITV’s Minder is part of television folklore. A much loved show and rightly so. RIP Dennis.”
Actor Stuart Antony tweeted: “Dennis Waterman has left us. What a fantastic talent and lovely man. Such a loss to the industry. RIP”
Producer Jonathan Sothcott tweeted: “#DennisWaterman was one of our biggest TV stars throughout the 70s and 80s, an everyman figure who felt like one of us. A naturalistic, nuanced actor. Terrific in The Sweeney, unforgettable in Minder (helluva song too, lampoonery aside). They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.”
Broadcaster Kay Burley tweeted: “RIP Dennis Waterman. “A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more. He was 74.“
DJ Ed Smith tweeted: “RIP Dennis Waterman. Not only part of one of the greatest TV double acts of them all but the singer of one of the greatest theme songs while he was at it.
“A fine legacy by any stretch.”
