Dad’s Army and EastEnders star Ian Lavender has died aged 77, it was announced today.
The news was announced via Dad’s Army’s official social media account at noon, as they paid tribute to the sitcom’s final cast members.
The message read: ‘We are deeply saddened by the passing of the great Ian Lavender.
“In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the main cast of Dad’s Army.”
Lavender, best known as the young Private Pike, was cast in the classic comedy series in 1968 at the age of 22.
Dad’s Army and EastEnders star Ian Lavender has died aged 77
Ian was cast as Private Pike, the only youthful member of the reserve force, who was often reprimanded for his simplicity.
Lavender, second from left, was a comic stooge – often taunted as a ‘stupid boy’ by the group’s Captain Mainwairing, played by Arthur Lowe (centre)
The comedic actor became a household name and starred in the series from 1968 to 1977
Ian was the key to one of Dad’s Army’s funniest moments, when he sang a song calling Hiter a ‘twerp’ to the German troops.
The Nazi captain says his name will also appear on a list of people he will take revenge on.
When asked what it is, Captain Mainwaring insists, “Don’t tell him, Pike,” accidentally revealing his name.
More to come