A much loved star of the popular TV show The Vicar of Dibley has died at the age of 78.
Gary Waldhorn became a household name for his portrayal of Councillor David Horton in the BBC show in which he starred alongside Dawn French.
He was also known for a number of other sitcoms including Brush Strokes and All at No 20 as well as his theatre work in which his son said he "truly flourished".
The star's son Josh said in a statement that his father had died on Monday, according to The Mirror.
He said: "Classically trained, it was the theatre where he truly flourished and he leaves a legacy of entertainment that saw him frequent the boards of Broadway, the West End and our living rooms on the telly!
"He leaves behind his two grandsons, Cooper and Bayley and his son Josh. We will all miss him terribly."
Waldhorn was a major character in the Vicar of Dibley sitcom which ran from 1994-2000 with some later episodes up to 2020.
In Brush Strokes he played Lionel Bainbridge in the series which ran between 1986 and 1991 and he took the part of Richard Beamish in the first series of All at No 20..
Other appearances in popular shows included Softly Softly, The Sweeney, The New Avengers and Brideshead Revisted.
But his love of the theatre was a major part of his life and he was particularly active in the Royal Shakespeare Company.
Waldhorn leaves behind a widow, Christie Dickason, and their son, Joshua.
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