Alf Garnett actor Warren Mitchell dies aged 89

The actor Warren Mitchell, best known for playing Alf Garnett, in BBC sitcom Till Death Us Do Part, has died aged 89, his family has confirmed.

A statement said: "Sadly we can confirm Warren Mitchell died in the early hours of Saturday 14th November surrounded by his family.

"He has been in poor health for some time but was cracking jokes to the last."

The actor's great nephew Jerry Barnett paid tribute to "the last of his generation" and a "wonderful and funny man".

Comedian Ricky Gervais tweeted that Alf Garnett was one of the most "influential" characters in comedy history.

Mitchell's portrayal of Garnett, the outspoken, bigoted and dockyard worker, first hit the small screen in 1965.

The character soon became legendary with his often controversial observations on evolving British life and catchphrases such as "it stands to reason".

On screen, Garnett was an avid West Ham United fan but Mitchell was an keen Tottenham Hotspur supporter.

The series, which also starred Spike Milligan and Una Stubbs, ran until 1975.

Mitchell also went on to win two Olivier Awards for his roles in Death of a Salesman in 1979, and The Price in 2004.