Dennis Waterman’s cause of death revealed as second wife Patricia says ‘he did not suffer’
DENNIS Waterman's cause of death has been revealed by his second wife Patricia Maynard, who insisted that he "did not suffer".
She paid tribute to the star today after he tragically passed away at his home in Spain after battling lung cancer for two years.
Speaking to the , Patricia - who is the mother of Dennis' two daughters - confirmed he "died peacefully".
"I'm terribly sad that he's gone but I'm really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully," she emotionally revealed.
"He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The girls are very upset."
Dennis passed away at the age of 74 over the weekend as he spent time in Spain with his fourth wife, Pam Flint.
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"I'm so glad he had found the right woman. I think he was very happy with Pam and she was with him when he passed," Patricia added.
Dennis rose to fame in classic British TV shows The Sweeney, New Tricks and Minder back in the 1970s.
On May 8, 2022, the 74-year-old, whose career spanned seven decades, died in his home in Spain, with his wife Pam Flint by his side.
His family said in statement: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis, passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain, on Saturday evening, with Pam by his side.
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"The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time."
Following his death, tributes poured in for the actor.
Paddy McGuinness said he had always wanted to be Dennis' Minder character.
In a tweet, he wrote: "Myself and my Phoenix Nights cast mates used to sing the theme tune to Minder on tour and on the Karaoke!
"Gutted I never got to meet him, always wanted to be Terry McCann. Another icon from my childhood gone. RIP Dennis Waterman."
Sky News presenter Kay Burley said: "RIP Dennis Waterman. A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more."
Larry Lamb wrote: "Here’s to dear Dennis Waterman .. RIP mate .. my condolences to your family ."
DIY SOS presenter Nick Knowles also paid tribute to the veteran actor.
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Knowles tweeted: "I played golf on a tour to Bermuda with Dennis Waterman - I'm not much of a golfer - he was - but it was time spent with him between rounds that were well worth the trip. A genuinely lovely guy. RIP."
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And Matt Lucas posted: "I grew up watching Dennis Waterman's iconic performances in The Sweeney and Minder.
"His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo - in which he hilariously duetted with David's absurd impersonation of him - remains the absolute highlight of my career."