Actor Edward Woodward dies

Veteran actor Edward Woodward, who was known for his roles in 'The Wicker Man' and 'The Equalizer', died today.

The 79-year-old had been suffering from various illnesses, including pneumonia, and died in hospital, his agent said.

Janet Glass released a statement praising his “brave spirit and wonderful humour”.

Woodward rose to fame in the 1960s and early 1970s in the television spy series 'Callan'.

The cult film 'The Wicker Man', saw him play a devout Christian police officer drawn to investigating the disappearance of a young girl in a sinister community.

In the 1980s he gained international attention in the hit US TV series 'The Equalizer', playing a former spy turned gun-for-hire.

Woodward recently joined 'EastEnders' for a short stint as Tommy Clifford, whose character drew out details of Patrick Trueman’s past.

Woodward lived in the Padstow area of Cornwall, with his wife, actress Michele Dotrice, who is known for playing Frank Spencer’s long-suffering wife Betty in the classic sitcom 'Some Mothers Do ’Ave ’Em'. He had four children..