Veteran actor Kenny Ireland passed away early this morning, at the age of 68.

Releasing a statement to confirm the news today, bosses at Edinburgh's Royal Lyceum Theatre, where he was director for over a decade until 2003, said: "We are greatly saddened to learn today that Kenny Ireland, Artistic Director of The Lyceum from 1992-2003 passed away this morning."

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Most famous for his long running role as Donald Stewart on ITV comedy Benidorm, he was written out of the series in June so he could concentrate on treatment in a bid to beat the disease.

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A spokesperson for ITV added: "We are terribly saddened to hear that Kenny Ireland has passed away, our thoughts are with his family at this time.

"He was a much loved actor, not only by the cast and crew on Benidorm but by the millions of fans out there.

"He appeared as Donald Stewart in Benidorm from the first episode and helped play a huge part in its success. He will be greatly missed."

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Our thoughts are with his family at this sad time.