The actor Buster Merryfield, known to millions as Uncle Albert in the BBC1 series Only Fools and Horses, died yesterday morning, aged 78.
The actor was admitted to hospital 11 days ago with a brain tumour.
He was in his 60s when he landed the part of Uncle Albert - created to replace the character of Grandad when actor Lennard Pearce died.
Merryfield - who lived in Bournemouth, Dorset - was quickly absorbed into the show and his character, dressed in familiar duffel coat, seafarer's cap and scarf, became intrinsic to the success of the show.