The Professionals star Lewis Collins dies

Lewis Collins who played Bodie in The Professionals has died. The Merseyside born actor was 67.

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In pictures: The Professionals' Lewis Collins

The Professionals star Lewis Collins has died aged 67. The actor, who played Bodie in the crime drama alongside co-star Martin Shaw, died in Los Angeles yesterday after a five-year struggle with cancer.

Lewis Collins (left) meets Princess Alexandra at the charity premiere of Who Dares Wins in 1982. Credit: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Images
Lewis Collins on the set of Jack the Ripper with Michael Caine in 1988. Credit: Feature Flash/EMPICS Entertainment
Lewis Collins pictured during a rood-top photoshoot in London in 1981. Credit: All Action/EMPICS Entertainment
Lewis Collins (left) and boxer John Conteh leave London for a sponsored walk to Liverpool. Credit: PA/PA Archive/Press Association Images

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Martin Shaw: Lewis Collins will be mourned by many

Martin Shaw, who starred in The Professionals with Lewis Collins with four years, has paid tribute to the actor who has died, aged 67.

Martin Shaw and Lewis Collins starred in The Professionals together for four years. Credit: ITV 4

Martin Shaw said: "I was very sad to hear today that Lewis has died. We spent a very tough four years together in making The Professionals, and shared in the production of what has become an icon of British Television.

"He will beremembered as part of the childhood of so many people, and mourned by his fans. I send my love and condolences to his family,and the great many who will miss him."

The Professionals actor Lewis Collins dies aged 67

Lewis Collins has died aged 67 following a battle with cancer Credit: PA Wire

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

The actor, who played Bodie in the crime drama alongside co-star Martin Shaw, died in Los Angeles yesterday after a five-year struggle with cancer.

His agent said: "He died peacefully at his LA home surrounded by his family. Privacy is asked for at this very sad time."

Lewis Collins was born on Merseyside and worked as a drummer in local bands and as a hairdresser before getting into acting.

The Professionals, which made stars of Lewis 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.

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

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