The Professionals star Lewis Collins has died aged 67, his agent said.

The actor, who played Bodie in the late 1970s and early 1980s TV crime drama alongside co-star Martin Shaw, died in Los Angeles yesterday after a five-year struggle with cancer.

His agent said: “He died peacefully at his LA home surrounded by his family. Privacy is asked for at this very sad time.”

The Professionals, which made stars of Collins and Shaw, was based around the adventures of a fictional crime-fighting unit called CI5.

Its memorable theme tune and action-packed plots made it a huge hit on ITV.

Collins’s other most notable role came in 1982’s Who Dares Wins, when he played a member of the SAS.

He was born on Merseyside and worked as a drummer in local bands and as a hairdresser before getting into acting.

Shaw said: “I was very sad to hear today that Lewis has died. We spent a very tough four years together in making The Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British television.

“He will be remembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family, and the great many who will miss him.”

Press Association