George Cole, best known for playing used-car salesman Arthur Daley in long-running TV series Minder, has died at the age of 90.
His agent, Derek Webster, broke the sad news of the legendary actor’s death to the press.
"It is with deep regret that I have to announce the sad death of one of our most loved and respected actors,” he said in a statement.
"George Cole passed away yesterday at the Royal Berkshire Hospital after a short illness.
“His wife Penny and his son Toby were with him at his bedside."
Meanwhile Dennis Waterman, who starred alongside George in Minder, has paid tribute to his old friend in a statement of his own.
It read: "I am so sad to hear of George's death. His family must be devastated, and I am absolutely certain that anybody who ever knew him, will feel the same.
"I'm so grateful to have been a friend of this wonderful man. We worked together for many years and my boast is that we laughed all day, every day.
"He was an amazing man, a wonderful actor and besotted with his family. I had the privilege of spending Tuesday afternoon with him and Penny and, although very frail, his wit was as evident as ever.
“Farewell old friend."
George Cole is said to have been working on a project before he passed away and had reportedly urged the director to "get a move on," because he wanted to make one more film.
Our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad time.