Emmerdale actor Freddie Jones has died at the age of 91, his agent has said.
He was most recently known for playing Sandy Thomas in the soap from 2005 until 2018.
His agent Lesley Duff told Press Association: “It is with great sadness that I can confirm the death of Freddie Jones.
“He passed away on the evening of July 9 after a short illness.
“Freddie was a much loved and admired actor, known for his triumphs in classical theatre, film and television. He will be greatly missed by all who had the pleasure of knowing him and most especially his family.”
A statement from Emmerdale said: “Everyone at Emmerdale is deeply sad to hear about the death of one of the show’s most brilliant actors and favourite human beings, Freddie Jones.
“Freddie was part of Emmerdale for many years and he brought his unique, energetic, infectious, twinkle to every scene he was in.”
Emmerdale’s Charlotte Bellamy, who played Freddie’s on-screen daughter-in-law Laurel Thomas, said: “We have heard today the wonderful Freddie Jones has passed away. He was 91 years old.
“I was lucky enough to work with Freddie for over 13 years when I played his daughter-in-law, I was in awe of his professionalism, humour and his zest for life.
“The world is a poorer place without him.”
Freddie, the father of fellow actor Toby Jones, became an actor after a mid-life career change, having previously worked as a laboratory assistant while performing in amateur theatre on the side.
He made his film debut in 1967 in Marat/Sade and later played Claudius in the TV miniseries The Caesars.
He also appeared in Hollywood films including The Elephant Man, Dune, Firefox and Wild At Heart and literary dramas such as Far From The Madding Crowd and Nicholas Nickleby, as well as the 1987 version of Vanity Fair.