Edward Woodward has died aged 79, his agent has confirmed. The Croydon-born actor had been suffering from various illnesses including pneumonia and died in hospital, said Janet Glass. Away from TV, Woodward is most famous for his roles in the brilliant cult horror flick, The Wicker Man. On television, he'll be best remembered for his role on US show The Equalizer. He was last seen on screen in BBC One soap EastEnders as Tommy Clifford earlier this year.

Ms Glass said he had been ill for several months and passed away surrounded by members of his family. "I knew him a very long time and he was a superb human being," she said

"That integrity shone through in the roles he played. I can't ever remember, in all the productions he undertook, anyone having a bad word to say about him and he never had anything bad to say about anyone else either.".

Ms Glass added: "Universally loved and admired through his unforgettable roles in classic productions, he was equally fine and courageous in real life, never losing his brave spirit and wonderful humour throughout his illness.

"His passing will leave a huge gap in many lives," she said.

Actor Simon Pegg, who was a big fan of Woodward and cast him in his 2007 film Hot Fuzz, said on Twitter: "So sorry to hear we have lost the great Edward Woodward. Feel lucky to have worked with him."