Ray Lonnen, Harry's Game star, dies aged 74

Actor Ray Lonnen, who starred in shows including ITV series Harry's Game and the BBC's Z Cars, has died aged 74.

He was diagnosed with cancer three years ago and had continued to work, his family said. He died on Friday.

Lonnen played the lead in Harry's Game as an undercover British soldier, sent to Northern Ireland to infiltrate the IRA and kill an assassin.

He was also in The Sandbaggers, Doctor Who, Rich Tea And Sympathy and Crossroads.

The actor also voiced children's animation series Budgie The Little Helicopter.

Tara Ward, Lonnen's wife of 20 years, said: "Ray was a gentle man who showed great strength in his final years. Despite his discomfort, his favourite expressions were 'carpe diem' and 'the best of times is now.'

"We, as a family, are so proud of him."

Former Doctor Who star Colin Baker described him as "a really nice bloke and a good actor too", while former Coronation Street actress and Loose Women panellist Sherrie Hewson added: "He was brilliant - I adored him as an actor and a true gentleman."