Are You Being Served? actor dies

Are You Being Served? actor Frank Thornton died in his sleep in the early hours of Saturday morning at the age of 92, his agent David Daly has said.

The star was famous for his role as Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served? and as Truly in Last Of The Summer Wine.

His agent said: "Ninety-two-year-old Frank Thornton died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday.

"Frank was a much loved British actor who played mainly comedy roles and is perhaps best known for his role as Captain Peacock in Are You Being Served? and latterly as Truly in Last Of The Summer Wine.

"Frank is survived by Beryl, his wife of 67 years, daughter Jane and their three grandchildren. I have been Frank's agent since 1986 and he has been the most wonderful client as well as being a great friend. He will be sorely missed."

Sitcom star Thornton was the last of the original main members of the cast of Are You Being Served?. He also went on to appear in its successor series, Grace & Favour.

In more recent years he was familiar to viewers for his role as Truly in long-running Last Of The Summer Wine, alongside a roster of veteran comedy actors.

He specialised in comedy and over the years took roles in many popular TV shows including Hancock's Half-Hour, Sykes and Steptoe And Son, as well as movie spin-off Steptoe And Son Ride Again.

Thornton also appeared in a number of saucy British movie romps including No Sex Please, We're British and Up The Chastity Belt.

In 2001 he was among the cast for the Julian Fellowes-scripted period drama Gosford Park. His last credit was in the poorly received British film Run For Your Wife, alongside Richard Briers, who died last month.