Jimmy Martin – Still Game's 'Auld Eric' - dies at 93

And Carry On's Julian Holloway dies at 80

Jimmy Martin, who played ‘Auld’ Eric in Still Game, has died at the age of 93.

The actor appeared in 47 episodes of Greg Hemphill and Ford Kiernan’s sitcom between 2002 and 2018

His character was killed off in the eighth series when, at the age of 87, the actor admitted he was finally feeling the strain of working on the comedy.

In a social media post, former Still Game producer Michael Hines wrote: ‘Just to let all the Still Game fans out there that Jimmy Martin "Eric" passed away today. He was a wonderful actor and I was honoured to call him pal.’

Hemphill wrote: ‘Very sad to hear that the wonderful Jimmy Martin has passed away. He really was an amazing fella and a joy to be around. Full of great stories about cutting about Byres Road in the 60’s, about his time in the Navy, and of course, the only genuine auld yin amongst us. We will miss you, Jimmy.’

Martin was the only actor who was an actual pensioner when the series began. He joined the Royal Navy at the age of 17 and spent 16 years in the fire service before becoming an actor.

He was awarded the British Empire Medal last year for his services to military charities.

Eric was a regular in The Clansman, while Martin also appeared in Taggart, Monarch of the Glen, Doctor Finlay, Rab C Nesbitt and The Catherine Tate Show.

Julian Holloway, who appeared in seven Carry On films between 1967 and 1976 has died aged 80.

He was the son of comedian and film star Stanley Holloway and the father of model Sophie Dahl. He featured in a number of comedies on TV and the big screen, including and Whatever Happened To The Likely Lads? the 1979 film version of Porridge.