John Inman, star of TV sitcom Are You Being Served?, died in hospital this morning.
The actor, 71, died in St Mary's Hospital in Paddington, London, after being ill for some time, his agent Phil Dale said.
Mr Dale said: ''John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world.
''He was one of the best and finest pantomime dames working to capacity audiences throughout Britain.
''John was known for his comedy plays and farces which were enjoyed from London's West End throughout the country and as far as Australia, Canada and the USA.'' Inman played camp salesman Mr Humphries in the comedy series Are You Being Served? for a decade from the mid-1970s to the mid-1980s.
He starred alongside Wendy Richard, who went on to play Pauline Fowler in EastEnders, as well as Molly Sugden, Frank Thornton and Trevor Bannister.
Inman's partner of 35 years, Ron Lynch, is said to be ''devastated'' at his death.
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