Dudley Sutton, who was best known for his role as Tinker Dill in the British TV series Lovejoy has died, aged 85.
Sutton's spokesperson Natasha Stevenson confirmed that the actor died on Saturday surrounded by his family and friends.
"Today we're devastated by the loss of our beautiful Dudley, who leaves a gaping hole in all our lives," read a statement from his family (via The Guardian).
"We're grateful for the love expressed by friends and fans everywhere and for the extraordinary care he received at the Royal Trinity Hospice in Clapham, south London, where he went out fighting for our NHS."
Since the news of his passing, several of his former co-stars have paid tribute to the actor on social media.
Sutton's Lovejoy co-star Chris Jury, who played Eric Catchpole on the show from 1986 to 1994 said: "My dear, dear pal. Dudley Sutton died today. I loved him dearly. Condolences to Fanny, Peter, Barnaby, Wally and Jacqueline and all the rest of his family... and of course his extended family amongst the friends of Bill W. Love you Duds."
My dear, dear pal. Dudley Sutton died today. I loved him dearly. Condolences to Fanny, Peter, Barnaby, Wally and
— Chris Jury (@ButAmIAFreeman) September 15, 2018
Jacqueline and all the rest of his family... and of course his extended family amongst the friends of Bill W. Love you Duds. I’ll miss... https://t.co/o2yzdZ1srY
Keane singer Tom Chaplin, said Sutton had played a "wonderful lead role" in the video for his 2017 solo single Midnight Mass.
Sad to hear about Dudley Sutton dying. He played a wonderful lead role in the video for my song Midnight Mass. Off-camera he was full of steadfast beliefs, warmth and fun!
— Tom Chaplin (@tomchaplin) September 15, 2018
And, of course, he played Tinker in my favourite TV show of all time. #DudleySutton https://t.co/V6dC72e5Bb
The Inbetweeners’ Emily Atack, who starred with Sutton in 2011 comedy Outside Bet, said "So sad to hear Dudley Sutton has passed. Such a hilarious warm, talented man who I’m so honoured to have worked with. Sending love to his family who he spoke of always.❤️"
Quadrophenia star Phil Davis, who also featured in Outside Bet, described him as a "true original" who would be "greatly missed".
RIP DudleySutton a great actor, wonderful bloke, a true original. I loved him. He will be greatly missed
— Phil Davis (@PhilDavis6) September 15, 2018
Spandau Ballet's Gary Kemp said "Farewell Dudley Sutton. One of our greats and a charming man. Another one of Joan Littlewood's brood of amazing actors leaves us."
Farewell Dudley Sutton. One of our greats and a charming man. Another one of Joan Littlewood’s brood of amazing actors leaves us. pic.twitter.com/4A79EnCFy1
— Gary Kemp (@garyjkemp) September 15, 2018
Over his long-spanning career, Sutton appeared in films such as The Devils, and The Pink Panther Strikes Again.
In 2004, he had a brief stint in Eastenders as Wilfred Atkins and a role in Nick Love's movie adaptation of John King's The Football Factory.
In recent years, he had minor roles in Holby City and as Freddie's grandad Norman in Skins.
