Ray Brooks, British actor and voice of Mr Benn, dies aged 86

Ray Brooks in Ken Loach’s BBC film Cathy Come Home. The British actor has died aged 86. Photograph: Collection Christophel/Alamy

Ray Brooks, the British actor who starred in EastEnders, Ken Loach’s drama Cathy Come Home and narrated the 1970s children’s TV show Mr Benn, has died at the age of 86.

Brooks died peacefully on Saturday with his loved ones at his bedside after a short illness, according to a statement shared by his family with the BBC.