Dennis Waterman’s second wife Patricia Maynard has paid tribute to the Minder actor who died on Sunday at the age of 74.
Maynard, who shares two daughters with the late star, also revealed he had lung cancer and was “quite poorly for the last couple of years”.
Speaking about his death, she told the MailOnline: “I’m terribly sad that he’s gone but I’m really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully.
“He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The girls are very upset.”
Maynard also reflected on their years together, saying they had been “happy” but their marriage did not work out “for whatever reason”.
She told the publication she was glad Waterman had met his fourth wife, Pam Flint, “who he was very happy with”.
Waterman died on Sunday in Spain with Pam by his side.
Announcing his death on Sunday, a statement from Waterman’s family 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.”
During a long-spanning career, Waterman starred as bodyguard Terry McCann in Minder and he first found fame as tough nut cop George Carter in The Sweeney opposite John Thaw.
Minder brought the criminal underworld of west London to millions of homes up and down the country.
After leaving Minder, Waterman returned to the stage for several years, starring in shows including Jeffrey Bernard in Unwell in Australia, Ireland and the UK, and My Fair Lady in the West End.
In the latter part of his career, he played Gerry Standing in the show New Tricks from 2003 to 2014.
Afterwards he semi-retired, splitting his time between his homes in Berkshire and Spain. His final film role was in the Australian comedy drama Never Too Late in 2020.
Waterman is survived by his wife, Pam, and two daughters, Julia and Hannah, who were born following his marriage to Maynard.
