The actor father of Granada chief Simon Shaps - and the voice of Mr Kipling's "exceedingly good cakes" - has died after a short illness.
Cyril Shaps starred in more than 80 films and television series, including The Madness of King George, in which he appeared alongside Nigel Hawthorne, and most recently The Pianist.
He was a familiar face on television shows from EastEnders and The Bill to Black Eyes and Dr Who. He also appeared in numerous radio plays, including the legendary 1970 production of The Birthday Party, which recently aired on Radio 4 as part of its Harold Pinter season.
Mr Shap's voice was recognisable to millions as one of the men who have provided the voiceover to the famous Mr Kipling commercials. He was an actor for more than 50 years, and spent nearly all his life in London.
Simon Shaps, chief executive of Granada Content, is one of the most powerful men in UK commercial television, and is in charge of the country's largest TV production operation outside of the BBC.
His father's other TV credits included Our Mutual Friend, Martin Chuzzlewit, Midsomer Murders and Porridge. Other film credits included Erik the Viking and The Spy Who Loved Me. He died on January 1, aged 79.