Frank Windsor, star of Z-Cars and Softly, Softly, dies aged 92

Frank Windsor pictured at a 2002 reunion of the Z-Cars cast. Photograph: YTV

The actor Frank Windsor has died at the age of 92, it has been announced by his agent. Windsor, perhaps best known for his role as DS John Watt in both Z-Cars and Softly, Softly, died at his home in London on Wednesday.

Windsor acted for over five decades, with his first screen credit in 1955, but rose to prominence in the BBC police drama set in Newtown, a fictionalised version of Kirkby on Merseyside.

Later in his career he appeared regularly in Casualty and Peak Practice, and his final credit was the 2004 film Between Two Women.

Windsor, left, as Detective Sergeant John Watt in Z-Cars. Photograph: Pictorial Press/Alamy

A statement from his agent read: “Frank passed away peacefully at his home in London on Wednesday 30 September 2020. Born Frank W Higgins on 12 July 1928, his acting career spanned over 50 years, with notable roles in Z-Cars, Softly Softly, Casualty and Peak Practice.

“Frank is survived by his daughter Amanda and his wife Mary, who was by his side until the end. As per Frank’s wishes and in keeping with Covid restrictions, there will be no funeral or memorial service, just a private cremation with his ashes being laid to rest with his beloved son David. Our thoughts are with his family and friends.”