Actor was also in Porridge

Sam Kelly, best known for playing Captain Hans Geering in 'Allo 'Allo, has died at the age of 70.

He was admitted to a hospice yesterday where he died peacefully this morning with by his side.

His agent Lynda Ronan confirmed the news, saying: 'Sam Kelly died peacefully this morning after a long illness bravely fought.

He does not leave any family but a host of friends who were his chosen family. His death is a great loss to them and the profession.'

The Manchester-born actor also appeared as Bunny Warren in Porridge, Martin in the sitcom My Family, and the husband Ted, opposite Gwen Taylor, in the ITV sitcom Barbara.

He said of his role in Porridge: 'Working with Ronnie Barker was an education in itself and the scripts were second to none in television terms.' He also toured Australia with the Two Ronnie..

He left Allo Allo after three of its nine series, but later said he regretted leaving the show so early, and returned briefly in series 7..

Kelly recently starred as the Wizard in the London production of the musical, Wicked, but left the show in January, citing ill health..

He also worked on several Mike Leigh films including Grown-Ups, Topsy-Turvy, All or Nothing and A Running Jump.

His final TV appearance was in the 40th anniversary tribute Porridge: Inside Out, broadcast during on Gold earlier this month.

Among those paying tribute today were Colin Baker who tweeted: 'Cannot believe that lovely Sam Kelly has died. We were at drama school together - lovely, funny , talented chap. So sad.'

Published: 14 Jun 2014