Dudley Sutton dead - Lovejoy actor known for playing Tinker Dill dies aged 85

DUDLEY Sutton, the actor known for playing Tinker Dill in the TV series Lovejoy, has died aged 85.

The star died on Saturday afternoon surrounded by his family and friends, his agent confirmed.

His death comes after he moved to a hospice in July.

Sutton's TV appearances included a special Christmas episode of BBC sitcom Porridge with Ronnie Barker and Richard Beckinsale and an instalment of ITV crime drama The Sweeney.

In his later career he had a recurring role as conman Wilfred Atkins in BBC soap EastEnders, as well as smaller parts in Holby City and Channel 4 teenage drama Skins.

Sutton was born in Surrey on April 6, 1933. He served in the Royal Air Force as a mechanic before enrolling in the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, from which he was later expelled.

While many of his roles came on the small screen, he also appeared in a number of films including opposite Danny Dyer in the Football Factory.

Sutton first became known playing a gay biker in The Leather Boys in 1964.

However, audiences will most remember him as Tinker Dill in Lovejoy, a BBC comedy drama starring Ian McShane.

Chris Jury, who played Eric Catchpole in the show, led tributes on social media.

Jury wrote: "My dear, dear pal Dudley Sutton died today. I loved him dearly. Condolences to Fanny, Peter, Barnaby, Wally and Jacqueline and all the rest of his family... Love you Duds."

MOST READ IN NEWS

Speaking last year about his time in on Lovejoy, which aired in the 1980s and 90s, Sutton said: "It’s what they’re going to say on my obituary when I die, regardless of all the different and diverse stuff I’ve done throughout my life.

“It’s good fun because Lovejoy is so popular throughout the world, wherever you go. But people recognise Tinker, they don’t recognise Dudley Sutton.”

Actor Dudley Sutton on the NHS Reinstatement Bill and the importance of caring

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at tips@the-sun.co.uk or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

ncG1vNJzZmivp6x7tbTErKynZpOke7a3jq2tmqaUqLWww8GisWhvYmuFcYOWaJuunJyaxm6%2F1K2rqKZdmbKisIylpq%2BdmqTGbrHMppyrnJGhsm7AyKeinqpdmbatuI4%3D