Hi-de-Hi! Actor Paul Shane Dies Aged 72

Hi-de-Hi! actor Paul Shane has died at the age of 72 following a short illness, his agent has said.

The star of the 80s BBC sitcom was surrounded by friends and family in a hospice in his home town of Rotherham, South Yorkshire.

Shane played holiday camp host Ted Bovis in Hi-de-Hi!, but also starred in You Rang M'Lord? and Oh, Dr Beeching!

His role in the fictional Maplin's holiday camp saw him regularly trying to scam holidaymakers out of money.

He starred alongside Su Pollard, who played chalet maid Peggy Ollerenshaw, and Ruth Madoc, who played chief yellow coat Gladys Pugh.

The show, set in 1959, was inspired by the experiences of co-creator Jimmy Perry, who worked in Butlins after the war.

It ran for eight series between 1980 and 1988 and also launched Hi-de-Hi! as a catchphrase.

Linda Kremer, Shane's agent for 15 years, said: "Paul Shane was a consummate professional, a true gentleman, a good friend, and a joy to work with.

"He didn't suffer fools, always maintained his sense of humour, never stinted on the time he gave to his fans.

"He lightened my life and I'll miss him enormously."

Shane was a coal miner before starting out as a cabaret act touring working men's clubs in the 1960s.

In his later career he appeared in Emmerdale as Solomon Dingle, as well as having parts in Holby City, Doctors, Coronation Street and A Touch Of Frost.

He is survived by three daughters and six grandchildren. His wife Dory died in 2001.

Tributes to the actor have been appearing on Twitter, with comedian Ricky Gervais calling him an "old school Britcom hero".

Actress Lisa Riley tweeted: "RIP Paul Shane I adored you in Hi-Di-Hi great comedy actor lost!!"