Christopher Beeny dead aged 78 – Last of the Summer Wine star dies in his armchair

LAST of the Summer Wine star Christopher Beeny has died, aged 78.

His son Rick Blackman said the actor died 'peacefully in his armchair' at his home in Kent on January 3.

He tweeted: "I have some sad news to impart. On Friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent.

"He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair."

Beeny became a household name through his roles as Edward in the 1970s TV series Upstairs Downstairs and Morton Beamish in Last of the Summer Wine.

The London-born star made his TV breakthrough in BBC series The Grove Family in the 1950s.

The much-loved star has also appeared in ITV soap Emmerdale and BBC's Sense & Sensibility.

Fans paid tribute to the star after the news was broken on Twitter.

One fan said: "So sorry your Dad was part of my youth, my growing up and adult life. A fine actor who never got the recognition he truly deserved. God bless him, to rest in peace eternal, condolences to you."

Another added: "So sorry. He made many people laugh. A gift. RIP Mr Beeny."