Dad’s Army actor Bill Pertwee dies aged 86

The actor, who was known for his frequent cry of “Put that light out!” in the classic 1970s comedy, died peacefully in a Cornwall hospital with his family.

His son, Jonathan, 46, paid tribute to his father, saying: “He was very loved by everyone that knew him. I think he’d like to be remembered as someone who had a good go and loved the people he was around.”

Pertwee received many awards for his acting and comedy, including an MBE in June 2007 for his charity work and entertainment services and a Comic Heritage Lifetime Achievement Award in 2004. The actor was also the subject of This is your Life in 1999.

Although he was best known for his roles in the Bafta award-winning Dad’s Army, Pertwee also performed in an opera, pantomimes and the 2010 World Cup song.

The actor appeared in You Rang M’Lord? as well as three Carry On films: Carry on Loving (1970), Carry on at Your Convenience (1971) and Carry On Girls (1973).

Over the years Pertwee worked with Spike Milligan, Kenneth Williams, George Burns and Sammy Davis Junior.