Sitcom star Windsor Davies has died. He was 88.

Davies was best known as Battery Sergeant Major Williams in the hit sitcom It Ain't Half Hot Mum, which ran from 1974 to 1981. He also had a pop hit, Whispering Grass, with co-star Don Estelle, who played Lofty. The single reached number one in 1975.

In the show he became famous for two particular phrases, the deafening "Shut up!" and the sarcastic "Oh dear, how sad, never mind". 

He also starred in Never The Twain alongside Donald Sinden and appeared in shows including the Dr Who episode The Evil of the Daleks, UFO, Callen, The Onedin Line, Casualty and My Family. He was the voice of Sergeant Major Zero (a spherical robotic soldier) in Terrahawks. He also appeared in the very first episode of the Sean Hughes Channel 4 sitcom Sean's Show in 1992, entitled Jelly And Blizzards.

He appeared in two Carry On films, Carry On Behind and Carry On England.

Tributes have come in from the world of showbiz.

His It Ain't Half Hot Mum co-star Melvyn Hayes told the BBC: "To work with him was a pleasure, a sheer delight... he was a lovely, lovely man"

Vicki Michelle tweeted: "So so sad to hear about Windsor Davies one of my favourite people. A Genuinely lovely generous man. Such fond memories of working with him. Had a huge presence and a huge heart. Will be missed by all who knew him."

Tony Robinson added: "“Whispering grass don’t tell them who kissed there long ago. Why tell them all your secrets, the trees don’t have to know.”Whispering Grass. UK No1 with Don Estelle 1975. RIP Windsor Davies #"

Actor/comedian Paul Putner tweeted: "I've just found out Windsor Davies has passed away. I worked with him in 1991 in a West End farce and he was such a gifted actor. Also one of most generous, lovely blokes you could ever wish to meet. Gave me great encouragement. R.I.P."

Welsh film star Michael Sheen referred to Davies' role in the rugby drama Grand Slam, tweeting: “Go the whole hog, Mog!” He most certainly did. Mined a golden seam of barely contained Welsh fury to glorious effect. And a lovely boy by all accounts. #RIPWindsorDavies Thank you for your service." 

Read an obituary here.

Watch a YouTube tribute to Windsor Davies below.

Davies also voiced numerous adverts including this classic Wispa advert below.