Actor Geoffrey Palmer has died aged 93
Geoffrey Palmer has been hailed as a "wonderful actor" following his death at the age of 93.
His agent confirmed yesterday the star, who was perhaps best known for his role as Lionel Hardcastle in As Time Goes By, had died at home.
Palmer also had starring roles i n hit television programmes including The Fall And Rise Of Reginald Perrin and Butterflies.
He was also in the 2014 Paddington film.
"Weregret to sadly announce that the actor Geoffrey Palmer died peacefully at home yesterday aged 93," his agent said in a statement.
Palmer, who was born i n London in 1927, was known predominantly for his comedy roles.
However, he also starred in multiple episodes of Doctor Who, including the 1970 episode Doctor Who And The Silurians and 2007' s Voyage Of The Damned.
A tweet from the official Doctor Who account said they are "sad to report his death".
As Time Goes By saw Palmer play Lionel Hardcastle alongside Dame Judi Dench as Jean Mary Hardcastle in the BBC One romantic sitcom between 1992 and 2005.
Speaking in 2018, Dame Judi said the actor was the "naughtiest man I have ever worked with".
Palmer and Dame Judi also st arred t ogether i n James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies, which was released in 1997.
Palmer, who was made an OBE in 2005, played Admiral Roebuck of the Royal Navy.
Comedian Eddie Izzard paid tribute to the actor on social media, saying he was "very sad to hear that Geoffrey Palmer has left us".
He added: "I was very excited to meet him once and then had
the honour to act with him in the film Lost Christmas.
"His work will stay with us and through that he can live on forever."
Gyles Brandreth l abelled Palmer as "such a wonderful
actor, such a lovely guy".
He said: "Brilliant at his craft and just the best company: wickedly funny... he did everything he did so well."
Actor Reece Shearsmith also paid tribute to Palmer on
social media. The Inside No. 9 star tweeted: "RIP Geoffrey Palmer. An immaculate singular actor, always brilliant in everything."