Former Heartbeat star Bill Maynard dies aged 89

Heartbeat actor Bill Maynard has died at the age of 89, his family has confirmed.

The star, who played Claude Greengrass in the Yorkshire Television soap, died in hospital in Leicestershire shortly after breaking his hip in a fall from his mobility scooter, his daughter-in-law said.

Bill was part of the team that present the One O'Clock Show for ITV Tyne Tees Television in Newcastle between 1959–1964.

This went on to launch his TV Career.

The actor also played the title role in Oh No, It's Selwyn Froggitt, and starred in Carry On films Carry On At Your Convenience, Carry On Matron and Carry On Dick.

In 1980 he played Sergeant Beetroot in the TV series Worzel Gummidge and more recently made appearances in The Royal and The Moorside.

Ms Reddin said he had recently visited her and her husband in France and had also filmed an episode of the game show Pointless and was looking forward to watching it when it aired.

In 2013 the actor celebrated 60 years since his first TV appearance by releasing a version of What A Wonderful World.