Tributes paid to actor Sam Kelly

His agent, Lynda Ronan, said he died “peacefully” and left a “host of friends who were his chosen family”.

Kelly acted in On The Up and Barbara, and recently played The Wizard in West End musical Wicked.

Ms Ronan said yesterday: “Sam Kelly died peacefully this morning after a long illness bravely fought. He does not leave any family but a host of friends who were his chosen family. His death is a great loss to them and the profession.”

Among the stars paying tribute on Twitter, Stephen Fry tweeted: “Very saddened to hear about Sam Kelly’s death. He played a splendid Hitler in a comedy drama called Stalagluft I made with Nick Lyndhurst...”

Former Doctor Who Colin Baker, who was at drama school with Kelly described him as a “lovely, funny, talented chap”.