Co-stars pay tribute to Duty Free actor and comic Keith Barron

Gwen Taylor has paid tribute to her former Duty Free onscreen husband, Keith Barron, following his death aged 83.

The actor and comic - who also starred in Dennis Potter’s The Nigel Barton Plays and 1975 Hollywood film The Land That Time Forgot - died after a short illness, his agent confirmed.

Barron enjoyed a “long and varied career ... of which he was immensely proud”, the statement said referencing his many roles across television which included appearances in Coronation Street, Casualty, DCI Banks, Doctors, 0 Keith Barron has died at the age of 83 after a short illness Holby City and Benidorm. But it was 80s sitcom Duty Free where he garnered his reputation as a much-loved star.

Set in Spain, the ITV show ran for three series from 1984 until 1986 with Barron starring as gruff northerner David Pearce alongside Taylor as his wife Amy.

Taylor said news of Barron’s death was “quite a blow”.

She added: “I have just heard the news my old friend and colleague has died.

“Keith was such a kind and lovely man and don’t think I’ve met anyone that would disagree.

“My thoughts and prayers go to his loving wife Mary and his son Jamie - whom meant so much to him.”

In 2014, Barron toured with fellow original cast members Taylor and Neil Stacy in a stage version of Duty Free.