Actor Tony Britton has died aged 95, says daughter Fern

Don't Wait Up star Tony Britton has died aged 95, his TV presenter daughter Fern has announced.

Writing on Twitter, she hailed her father as a "great actor, director and charmer".

"May flights of angels sing thee to thy rest," she added.

Britton was best known for starring alongside Nigel Havers and Dinah Sheridan in the BBC sitcom Don't Wait Up between 1983 to 1990.

He also appeared in Thames Television's Robin's Nest, which aired from 1977 to 1981, together with Richard O'Sullivan and Tessa Wyatt.

His film credits included The Day Of The Jackal, Operation Amsterdam and Sunday Bloody Sunday.

Actor and comedian Sanjeev Bhaskar paid tribute, writing: "Profound condolences Fern and gratitude for the joy and entertainment your Dad brought to me and millions of others. Sending love and strength."

Downton Abbey star Peter Egan said on Twitter: "Very sad to see the passing of the legend Tony Britton. A wonderful actor and light comedian. Condolences to his family. A lovely man too."

Benidorm actress Sherrie Hewson said: "Sending much love @Fern_Britton a truly wonderful man a real star in everyone's eyes! He will never be forgotten RIP".

John Challis, best known for playing Boycie in Only Fools And Horses, hailed Britton as "one of life's gentlemen".

Britton was born in Birmingham and attended Edgbaston Collegiate School, Birmingham, then Thornbury Grammar School, Gloucestershire.

In the Second World War he served in the army and worked in an aircraft factory.

Later Britton joined an amateur dramatics group in Weston-super-Mare before turning professional, appearing on stage at the Old Vic and with the Royal Shakespeare Company.

In 2013, Britton appeared as the Earl of Gloucester in a production of Shakespeare's King Lear at the Old Vic in London, directed by Sir Jonathan Miller, who died last month.

Britton had two children, Fern and scriptwriter Cherry Britton, with his first wife Ruth Hawkins.

His second wife was Danish sculptor Eva Castle Britton (nee Skytte Birkenfeldt) with whom he had a son, Jasper Britton.