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30/07/2007
Former 'Eastenders' Star Mike Reid Dies
Former 'Eastenders' star and comedian Mike Reid has died at the age of 67, after suffering a suspected heart attack in Spain.
Reid, who played Frank Butcher in the BBC soap from 1987 to 2005, had semi-retired to Spain to live near a golf course with his wife Shirley.
His agent, David Hahn told the BBC that his death had come as a shock as he had had a full medical and been given a clean bill of health just a few weeks ago.
Reid began his career as a stuntman in films and television, such as 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', 'Those Magnificient Men In Their Flying Machines' and 'Spartacus', but also worked as a stand-up comedian in clubs and aboard cruise liners in the early Sixties.
He shot to fame as one of the original stars of Granada Television's 'The Comedians' show in the Seventies.
He also hosted the popular children's game show 'Runaround' from 1975 until 1981.
Actress Pam St Clement, who played Reid's on-screen wife Pat Butcher in 'Eastenders' told reporters that Reid's death had come as a "terrible shock". She said: "Somebody larger than life as Mike was in person and character - he seemed indestructible."
John Yorke, controller of BBC Drama Series, said: "Mike's genius was to capture the heart of that flawed dreamer and make generations of viewers love him."
(KMcA)
Reid, who played Frank Butcher in the BBC soap from 1987 to 2005, had semi-retired to Spain to live near a golf course with his wife Shirley.
His agent, David Hahn told the BBC that his death had come as a shock as he had had a full medical and been given a clean bill of health just a few weeks ago.
Reid began his career as a stuntman in films and television, such as 'Chitty Chitty Bang Bang', 'Those Magnificient Men In Their Flying Machines' and 'Spartacus', but also worked as a stand-up comedian in clubs and aboard cruise liners in the early Sixties.
He shot to fame as one of the original stars of Granada Television's 'The Comedians' show in the Seventies.
He also hosted the popular children's game show 'Runaround' from 1975 until 1981.
Actress Pam St Clement, who played Reid's on-screen wife Pat Butcher in 'Eastenders' told reporters that Reid's death had come as a "terrible shock". She said: "Somebody larger than life as Mike was in person and character - he seemed indestructible."
John Yorke, controller of BBC Drama Series, said: "Mike's genius was to capture the heart of that flawed dreamer and make generations of viewers love him."
(KMcA)
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Northern Ireland WeatherToday:After a dry start this morning rain will spread from the northwest across all parts. This afternoon will be dull with some patchy rain and drizzle. Becoming much milder through the afternoon. Maximum temperature 11 °C.Tonight:A cloudy evening and night with a little light rain or drizzle, perhaps some clear periods developing along the east coast. A very mild night everywhere. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
