Actor Rodney Litchfield, who played gloomy pub regular Old Tommy in the hit BBC sitcom Early Doors, has died.

Phil Mealey, who wrote the comedy with Craig Cash, broke the news on Twitter: "Really sad news that Rodney Lichfield aka Old Tommy passed away peacefully in his sleep Saturday aged 81, having been poorly for some time. We were blessed to meet and cast him as he was absolutely perfect. To you Rodders and To The Regiment it won't be the same without you. RIPx"

Christine Bottomely, who played Melanie Dixon, tweeted :"Sorry to here one of our Earlydoors family has left the building x will watch me some outtakes tonight I think and remember our dear friend #RodneyLitchfield#OldTommy will miss you mate x"

Litchfield also appeared in TV shows including Travelling Man, Juliet Bravo, A Touch of Frost, Cracker, Hetty Wainthropp Investigates, Heartbeat, Peter Kay's Phoenix Nights and Coronation Street.

Picture: BBC