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Heartbeat actor William Simons has died aged 78.
The actor, who was known for playing PC Alf Ventress in the ITV show, is believed to have passed away yesterday (21 June).
In a statement (via The Sun) his agent said: ‘He’ll be just terribly missed by anyone who ever met him.
‘He was a much loved human, the word gentleman really applied to him. He was a gentle man.’
Simons played Alf Ventress across all 18 series of the ITV show, which spanned from 1992 to 2010.
The character was known for his grumpy personality, and even continued in the show as a civilian when he was forced to retire from the force.
Simons is also known for starring in Coronation Street as a barrister, and had a role in Emmerdale in 1976.
He also played Patrick Malahide’s sidekick in the BBC’s Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, and also made appearances in Last Of The Summer Wine, Bergerac, Lovejoy, and The Darling Buds Of May.
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