TV actor Dennis Waterman has died aged 74.
The star, known for his roles in shows such as The Sweeney, New Tricks and Minder, died peacefully in hospital in Spain next to his wife, Pam. His family released a statement announcing his death this afternoon (8 May).
It said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis, passed away very peacefully in hospital in Spain, on Sunday afternoon, with Pam by his side. The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
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Mr Waterman was well-known for his tough-guy leading roles, famously starring as bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder between 1979 and 1989. His time as Detective George Carter in The Sweeney was the role that shot him to fame, and he became one of the best-known faces on British television during the 1970s. Waterman starred opposite John Thaw in the ITV police drama..
He played Cockney detective Gerry Standing in the BBC's series New Tricks between 2005 to 2015, and starred in other TV shows such as ITV's Where The Heart Is, BBC's The Canterbury Tales and BBC's Moses Jones. He was also known singing the theme tune of Minder and New Tricks.
Comedian David Walliams famously caricatured Dennis in his parody series Little Britain. Over this 60 year career, he appeared in 29 films, his most recent an Australian drama-comedy called Never Too Late (2020).
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