Stars have paid tribute to Dennis Waterman after it was announced on Sunday he had died aged 74.
The actor, best known for his roles in The Sweeney, New Tricks and Minder, passed away at his home in Spain with his wife at his side.
Those in the industry hailed Dennis as one of "TV's biggest stars" in the 70s and 80s who gave "unforgettable" performances.
Comedian Matt Lucas was one of the first to pay tribute to the performer.
Writing on Twitter, Matt said: "I grew up watching Dennis Waterman’s iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder.
“His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo – in which he hilariously duetted with David’s absurd impersonation of him – remains the absolute highlight of my career.”
Wateman was caricatured by Matt's Little Britain co-star David Walliams.
The running joke about the character was he was not allowed to sing theme tune of the production, which was based on Dennis having sung the theme tunes for at least four of the programmes he starred in.
Broadcaster Kay Burley also paid tribute to Dennis but made an awkward gaffe when she called him Pete Waterman.
She wrote on Twitter: “RIP Pete Waterman.
“A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more. He was 74."
Actor and TV presenter Paddy McGuinness said on Twitter that he had always wanted to be Terry McCann, Dennis' character in Minder.
Paddy wrote on Twitter: “Myself and my Phoenix Nights cast mates used to sing the theme tune to Minder on tour and on the Karaoke! Gutted I never got to meet him, always wanted to be Terry McCann. Another icon from my childhood gone. RIP Dennis Waterman.”
Meanwhile, DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles reminisced about a golf trip he took alongside the TV giant.
Nick tweeted: “I played golf on a tour to Bermuda with Dennis Waterman – I’m not much of a golfer – he was – but it was time spent with him between rounds that were well worth the trip.
"A genuinely lovely guy. RIP."
Inside No. 9 writer and actor Reece Shearsmith paid tribute to the star, and recalled speaking to him about the 1970s film Scars of Dracula, which also starred Christopher Lee, Susan George and Richard Harris.
Reece wrote on Twitter: “RIP Dennis Waterman.
“When I worked with him on ‘New Tricks’ he made me the best cups of tea. And of course I just spent the time grilling him about ‘Scars of Dracula’.”
Producer Jonathan Sothcott tweeted: " #DennisWaterman was one of our biggest TV stars throughout the 70s and 80s, an everyman figure who felt like one of us. A naturalistic, nuanced actor.
"Terrific in The Sweeney, unforgettable in Minder (helluva song too, lampoonery aside). They don’t make ‘em like that anymore."
Actor Stuart Anthony said: "Dennis Waterman has left us. What a fantastic talent and lovely man. Such a loss to the industry. RIP."
I grew up watching Dennis Waterman's iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder. His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo - in which he hilariously duetted with David's absurd impersonation of him - remains the absolute highlight of my career. pic.twitter.com/RsTrABh5Br
— Matt Lucas (@RealMattLucas) May 8, 2022
Journalist John Sweeney said on Twitter: "RIP Dennis Waterman. The Sweeney was everything great TV drama should be: gritty, honest, true."
Actor Mark Murphy, who has appeared in Coronation Street, said: "So sad to hear of the passing of #DennisWaterman. One of my hero's throughout my life. Sleep well skip!"
Dennis' 60-year acting career first began in the 60s as a child, during which time he appeared in a few small stage roles for the Royal Shakespeare Company and in BBC TV series William, which had been based on Richmal Crompton's Just William Books.
He landed his first major role in 1968 British kitchen sink drama Up the Junction, which saw him play Peter, boyfriend to Polly (Suzy Kendall).
In the 70s, he starred as a young Gestapo officer in BBC TV series Colditz, which ran for two series until 1974.
However, his most memorable roles during that period were that of DS George Carter in The Sweeney and Terry McCann in Minder.
Following his departure from Minder, he starred in comedy drama Stay Lucky, which ran from 1989 until 1993, and sitcom On the Up (1990-2).
Noughties viewers will recognise him best from New Tricks, which he joined in 2003 and starred on for 11 years until 2014. He filmed just two episodes before quitting the 12 series and was replaced by Larry Lamb as Ted Case.
#DennisWaterman was one of our biggest TV stars throughout the 70s and 80s, an everyman figure who felt like one of us. A naturalistic, nuanced actor. Terrific in The Sweeney, unforgettable in Minder (helluva song too, lampoonery aside). They don’t make ‘em like that anymore. pic.twitter.com/f66SnBsNsk
— Jonathan Sothcott (@sothcott) May 8, 2022
A statement from his family said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis, passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain.
"The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
