'Allo 'Allo! star Sam Kelly dies age 70

@BBCOne tweeted this picture of Sam Kelly saying, 'We're saddened to hear that Sam Kelly, best known for his roles in 'Allo 'Allo & Porridge, has died at the age of 70.' Photo / Twitter

British actor Sam Kelly, who starred in 'Allo 'Allo! and Porridge, had died at the age of 70 after a long illness.

His agent Lynda Ronan said he died "peacefully" on Saturday and he would be sorely missed by his many friends.

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

But he was best know for the role of Captain Hans Geering in 'Allo 'Allo.

"Sam Kelly died peacefully this morning after a long illness bravely fought," Ronan said.

"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."

Actors and comedians took to Twitter to pay tribute to their friend and colleague.

"Very saddened to hear about Sam Kelly's death," Stephen Fry tweeted. "He played a splendid Hitler in a comedy drama called Stalagluft I made with Nick Lyndhurst..."

Former Doctor Who Colin Baker tweeted: "Cannot believe that lovely Sam Kelly has died. We were at drama school together - lovely, funny, talented chap. So sad."

And Sherlock actor Mark Gatiss said "desperately sad news that the wonderful Sam Kelly has left us. Such a funny, talented man and one of the good guys. RIP Bunny Warren".