Dennis Waterman, famous for playing hard-nosed characters in The Sweeney, Minder and New Tricks, has died, aged 74, in hospital near his home in Spain, with his fourth wife Pam at his side.
A statement from the actor’s family read: “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.”
Comedian Matt Lucas, who with David Walliams parodied Waterman in sketch show Little Britain, led the tributes, posting: “I grew up watching Dennis Waterman’s iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder.