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Last of the Summer Wine and Upstairs, Downstairs star Christopher Beeny dies at home in Kent

Sitcom star Christopher Beeny has died at home in Kent.

The 78-year-old actor was known for his roles in BBC hit Last of the Summer Wine and ITV's Upstairs, Downstairs.

Christopher Beeny has died aged 78. Picture: Rick Blackman
Christopher Beeny has died aged 78. Picture: Rick Blackman

Mr Beeny shot to fame as a child star in the 1950s.

But he was best known for his 70s role as chauffeur and footman Edward Barnes in Upstairs, Downstairs — a drama about the gradual decline of the British aristocracy.

He also played debt collector and golfer Herman in Last of the Summer Wine.

His son, James, co-wrote the play The Dreamers to commemorate the 100th Anniversary of WWI.

The production premiered at the Assembly Hall Theatre Tunbridge Wells in October 2014 and Mr Beeny narrated parts of it.

Christopher Beeny has died aged 78. Picture: Rick Blackman
Christopher Beeny has died aged 78. Picture: Rick Blackman

Mr Beeny also appeared in pantomime at the same theatre in 2011.

His other son Rick Blackman broke the news on Twitter.

He said: "I have some sad news to impart. On Friday, January 3, my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent. He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair."

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