Butterflies star Bruce Montague dies aged 83

Bruce Montague has died at the age of 83.

The 'Butterflies' actor's passing was confirmed by his agents Belfield and Ward, who said in a tribute on social media: "We are very sad to report that the glorious Bruce Montague has passed away. Such a gentleman and he will be so sorely missed.

"What a talent and what a career on stage and screen! From 'Butterflies' to more recently 'Funny Girl' and '42nd St.' Rest well darling man! 24/3/39 – 16/8/22."

Montague acted in over 300 television productions since 1963, when he starred in the sci-fi series 'Dimensions of Fear'.

Bruce's best-known role was as Leonard Dunn in the sitcom 'Butterflies', a successful businessman and divorcee who the show's lead, Wendy Craig's Ria Parkinson, considers having an affair with.

In the early 2000s, Montague lent his voice to characters in the 'Doctor Who' audio adventures 'The Genocide Machine' and 'Sword of Orion'.

He starred in 'Hollyoaks' in 2015 as the character Derek Clough and also made several appearances in 'Doctors'.

Montague also had a successful stage career, having starred in '42nd Street', 'Casa Valentina' as well in 'Funny Girl' alongside Sheridan Smith and the late Darius Campbell Danesh.

Bonnie Langford – who starred with Bruce in '42nd Street' – paid tribute to the actor on Twitter, writing: "Such a lovely gentleman and artist. Dear Bruce. A dream to work with on '42nd Street'. You'll be missed."

Actor Maxwell Caulfield also paid tribute, writing on social media: "A truly darling man #BruceMontague and the very essence of an actor (sic)"