Shelley star Hywel Bennett dies

Shelley star Hywel Bennett has died at the age of 73, his former agent has confirmed.

Best known for portraying James Shelley in the popular 1980s series, the Carmarthenshire-born star rose to fame in the 1960s, first appearing as Rynian in Doctor Who in 1965.

The next two decades saw him take on roles in shows Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy, The Sweeney and Malice Aforethought, before becoming the familiar face of the hit sitcom that ran for five years from 1979. It made a four-year comeback in 1988 with The Return Of Shelley.

More recent viewers will recognise Bennett from his stint as Peter Baxter in police drama The Bill, while in 2003 he appeared as gangland boss Jack Dalton in Eastenders. 0 Hywel Bennett as Jack Dalton in Eastenders