Actor Christopher Beeny, who was most famous for his role in ITV drama Upstairs, Downstairs as footman  Edward has died. He was 78.

His son Rick Blackman broke the news on social media, posting an announcement on Twitter: "I have some sad news to impart. On friday 3rd of January my old dad Christopher Beeny died at his home in Kent. He was 78. Comforted to know he was not alone at the end and was in his armchair."

More recently Beeny played a hapless debt collector in long-running BBC sitcom Last of the Summer Wine (pictured).

He also appeared in numerous other TV roles including the ITV sitcom In Loving Memory.