The Professionals star Lewis Collins dies aged 67

Lewis Collins died in Los Angeles yesterday after a five-year struggle with cancer. Credit: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Images

The Professionals star Lewis Collins has died aged 67, his agent said.

Collins, who played Bodie in the hit crime drama, died in Los Angeles yesterday after a five-year struggle with cancer.

His agent said:

Nina Nannar reports:

The Professionals, which made stars of Collins and Martin Shaw, was based around the adventures of a fictional crime-fighting unit called CI5.

Its memorable theme tune and action-packed plots made it a huge hit on ITV in the late 1970s and early 1980s.

Shaw said:

Lewis Collins played Bodie in the hit crime drama The Professionals. Credit: PA Wire

Collins's other most notable role came in 1982's Who Dares Wins, when he played a member of the SAS.

The actor, who is survived by his widow Michelle and three sons, was born on Merseyside and worked as a drummer in local bands and as a hairdresser before getting into acting.