Blake’s 7, Doctor Who and Emmerdale actor Paul Darrow has died aged 78

David Hollingsworth David Hollingsworth

Paul played Avon in sci-fi classic Blake's 7

Blake’s 7 actor Paul Darrow has died aged 78 following a short illness.

Paul also played Emmerdale’s Eddy Fox, who was a friend of Alan Turner, for a short while in 2009, and had an early stint in the soap as a character called Patrick back in 1991.

Paul as Eddie Fox in Emmerdale, who was an old friend of Alan Turner'

Paul as Eddie Fox in Emmerdale, who was an old friend of Alan Turner’s (pic: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

However he’s best known for his part as computer genius Avon in classic BBC sci-fi hit Blake’s 7, which ran from 1978 to 1981.

Paul more recently worked for JACKfm in Oxfordshire, who said on Twitter: “Shocked and saddened to announce this news today. We’ve lost a true gent – the iconic voice of JACK. We’re still taking it in. Thanks for everything, Paul Darrow.”

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The Surrey-born actor appeared in a string of classic shows during the 1960s and 1970s including Emergency-Ward 10, Z Cars and Dixon of Dock Green. He also made many appearances in Doctor Who.

More recently his TV credits have included Law & Order: UK and Toast of London. Paul also enjoyed a small part in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, which starred Pierce Brosnan as 007.

Main image of Paul Darrow in Blake’s 7: Press Association Images.