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Fawlty Towers actor Nicky Henson dies aged 74


Nicky Henson has died (Picture: WireImage)

Fawlty Towers actor Nicky Henson has died at the age of 74, it has been confirmed.

The actor, who was best known for playing Mr Johnson in The Psychiatrist episode of the comedy, passed away after an unspecified illness.

He had battled cancer for 19 years.

A friend confirmed the news on Monday in a Facebook post, which said: ‘After an illness which started twenty years ago, and which was born with great fortitude and good humour, my oldest and dearest friend, my mate Nicky Henson, has gone.’

Henson was also known for roles in Downton Abbey and EastEnders, in which he played Jack Edwards briefly in 2006 and starred alongside Barbara Windsor (Peggy Mitchell).

The actor opened up about his cancer battle in a 2018 interview with BreakingNews.ie and said it was his toughest role.

‘For the last 18 years, I’ve regarded myself as “being in extra time”, which I never expected to have, so I’m very thankful for it,’ he explained.

Henson starred in EastEnders alongside Barbara Windsor in 2006 (Picture: BBC)

Henson recalled how he first discovered he had cancer on Christmas day 18 years prior, and ‘didn’t think [he] was going to survive’ after being told he had a ‘large tumour’ that would need to be operated on.

‘He went on to recall: ‘To get rid of the first tumour, I had to have half my colon and a third of my stomach removed. I was fine, but a routine scan a few years later revealed I had another tumour. I was prescribed a drug, Gleevac, for six months, to reduce it to an operable size.

‘During that time, I got my dream part as Sir Toby Belch in Twelfth Night at the RSC, but the physical strain of the part and the side effects of the drug meant I had to give it up. I knew then I’d never act on stage again, which broke my heart.’

Henson was best known for his role in Fawlty Towers (Picture: BBC)

Around 10 years ago, Henson was diagnosed with prostate cancer which required him to undergo radiotherapy. But he then developed kidney stones which he described as ‘the worst part of the whole thing’.

‘I had around 21 medical procedures over 12 months and I’m still having a lot now,’ he revealed at the time.

When asked how he stayed positive, Henson said it’s ‘just something [he] copes with’ but ‘having a sense of humour helps’.

He also praised the ‘incredible treatment’ that’s on offer now but said: ‘For my generation the “c” word used to mean that was the end. But my three sons looked it up on the internet and told me, “Listen dad, it’s not like the old days, you’ll be OK”.’

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