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Paul Darrow death: Doctor Who and Blake’s 7 actor dies, aged 78

Blake’s 7 and Doctor Who star Paul Darrow has died aged 78 following a short illness.

The Surrey-born actor was best known for playing Kerr Avon in BBC sci-fi series Blake’s 7 during the 70s and 80s, but also appeared in more than 200 other shows including The Saint, Z Cars, Emmerdale, Hollyoaks and Little Britain.

Maureen Marrs, his long-time companion and personal assistant, confirmed he had died on Monday.

She said: “Over three decades I have been Paul’s confidante and have had the immense privilege of being part of his life.

“A star has gone out today; the world will be a darker place without him.”

As well as his television acting, Darrow also appeared on the stage, including four seasons at the Bristol Old Vic and London’s West End, and was the voice of JACKfm and Union JACK radio.

Ian Walker, chief executive of the JACK brand, said: “Paul Darrow has been JACK’s shining star.

“Over the past 12 years I have had the pleasure of spending countless hours with Paul listening to his life stories and have shared many bottles of his favourite Bordeaux, whilst enjoying his quirky jokes and sense of humour.

“When we first launched JACK in the UK, we cast over 85 voices for the role and we could not have asked for anyone more unique.

“Paul’s rich tones and flippant delivery style always brought a smile to everyone who knew him and of course heard him on JACKfm and Union JACK radio.

“I could not have asked for a better friend.”

Tim Parker, programme director at JACKfm, added: “What an amazing, colourful character Paul was.

“He has mixed with the greats over the last 50 years and had a story to tell you for every occasion.

“His voice acting skills were like no other.”

Born in Surrey in 1941, Darrow went to Haberdashers’ Aske’s Boys’ School before studying at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London, where he shared a flat with fellow actors Ian McShane and John Hurt.

He married actress Janet Lees-Price after they co-starred on ITV show Emergency Ward 10 and they were together for 48 years before her death in 2012.

A spokeswoman for JACKfm said Darrow “was a man who had a story for every situation”.

She added: “He had dinner with Poet Laureate Sir John Betjeman at Chatsworth House, and Liberace famously asked Paul to call him Lee.”

Press Association contributed to this report