Actor was 64

Tributes have been paid to Roger Kitter, who played Captain Alberto Bertorelli in Allo Allo, who has died at the age of 64.

The actor was also known as a pantomime dame – including appearing in Jim Davidson’s Sinderella adult panto – and used to regularly appear at the London Palladium in its variety heyday.

Among those paying tribute were Bobby Davro, who said: ‘He was a very funny and talented man.’

And fellow panto stalwart Lloyd Hollett said: ‘Very sad to hear of the passing of Roger Kitter. A true gent and a comedy great.’

Kitter was a talented impressionist who starred in the 1970s TV series Who Do You Do and Radio 2’s The Impressionists. Other comedy appearances included Birds Of A Feather, The New Statesman and Goodnight Sweetheart.

He also scored a top 20 hit in 1982 with his parody of John McEnroe’s outbursts, Chalk Dust: The Umpire Strikes Back, which was recorded with fellow actor Kaplan Kaye under the name The Brat.

In Allo Allo, Bertorelli, who had the catchphrase ‘whadda mistake to make!’ was originally played by Gavin Richards, but replaced by Kitter for season 7 before being dropped.

Kitter was also Chairman of the Entertainment Artistes' Benevolent Fund, the charity which benefits from the Royal Variety Performances. Its treasurer Ian Freeman tweeted: ‘So sad to heart of the passing of actor & impressionist Roger Kitter, aged 64. A lovely, witty man and a fine entertainer. RIP old pal.’

Kitter leaves a wife, former actress Karan David, and a daughter.

Published: 5 Jan 2015