Actor William Simons, best known for his role as PC Alf Ventress in the comedy-drama series Heartbeat, has died at the age of 78.
Speaking to The Sun Online, Simons' agent Bryn Newton said: "He'll be just terribly missed by anyone who ever met him.
"He was a much loved human, the word 'gentleman' really applied to him. He was a gentle man.
"He worked every single year until about three years ago."
The Welsh actor had starred in all 18 series of Heartbeat from 1992 to 2010, appearing in over 350 episodes of the 1960s-set show as the slovenly-yet-shrewd Ventress. He also played the role in a number of episodes of Heartbeat's spin-off series, hospital drama The Royal.
After Heartbeat ended Simons spent much of his time at his home in France.
The veteran character actor's other screen credits included Coronation Street, Emmerdale, Doctor Who, The Sweeney, Minder and Crown Court.
