The death has been announced of actor Hwyel Bennett, aged 73. He was best known to comedy fans as the star of ITV sitcom Shelley in which he played the titular layabout. The series ran from 1979 to 1984. He revived the character in The Return of Shelley from 1988 to 1992. It was created by Peter Tilbury.

The Welsh actor appeared in classic films The Family Way and The Virgin Soldiers and more recently featured in EastEnders as a gangland boss. He also appeared in TV series Tinker, Tailor, Soldier, Spy and Pennies from Heaven and was in Last of the Summer Wine.

Buy Shelley on DVD here.