Waterman died after 2-year lung cancer battle

DENNIS Waterman died at his home in Spain following a two-year battle with lung cancer, it was revealed yesterday.

The veteran actor, pictured, who starred in hit shows including Minder, The Sweeney, died aged 74 on Sunday.

His second wife Patricia Maynard, mother of Waterman’s two daughters, said: ‘I’m terribly sad that he’s gone but I’m really pleased that he did not suffer and died peacefully.

‘He had lung cancer and was really quite poorly for the last couple of years. The years that Dennis and I were together were happy. Obviously, it didn’t work out but lots of marriages don’t work out for whatever reason.’

Miss Maynard added: ‘But I’m so glad he had found the right woman at the end. I think he was very happy with [fourth wife] Pam and she was with him when he passed.’