Dawn French leads tributes after Vicar of Dibley star John Bluthal dies

Dawn French has led tributes to her Vicar of Dibley co-star John Bluthal who has died, aged 89.

The actor, who was known for playing Frank Pickle in the much-loved series, was also known for his work on stage and film.

It was announced by his talent agency online the actor had died on Saturday afternoon, after Mr Bluthal died on Thursday.

Comic actress Dawn French said: "Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious. Bye darlin Bluey."

The post was accompanied by an image of Bluthal in the show, in which he played the secretary for the parish council.

Talent agency The Artist's Partnership wrote: "We're sad to announce our wonderful client John Bluthal has passed away.

"Our thoughts are with his family at this time. John provided us all with years of laughter and entertainment. We will miss John hugely."

At this stage, his cause of death is not known yet.

Mr Bluthal was born in 1929 in Poland and was forced to flee to Australia with his Jewish family in 1938, to try and escape Nazi regime.

He later moved over to England in 1956, where he began his acting career on stage.

His first big role was in Citizen James, in the 1960s.

As well as rising to fame in the Vicar of Dibley as one of the nation’s beloved character, Mr Bluthal also appeared in The Beatles’ film A Hard Day’s Night, Jonathan Creek and One Foot in the Grave.