Veteran actor Tony Mathews has died at the age of 81 following surgery, according to reports.
The actor, known for his roles in popular television series The Bill, Inspector Morse and Poirot, had enjoyed a career spanning nearly five decades.
Mathews appeared in numerous episodes of ITV's The Bill between 1990 and 1993, and took on notable roles in other acclaimed British television productions.
His work included appearances in the long-running detective series Poirot, which ran from 1989 to 2013, and the critically acclaimed Inspector Morse.
An inquest into Mathews' death is set to be held in Kent, though further details have not yet been confirmed.
The actor had studied in Canterbury, Kent, before embarking on his acting career.
Mathews began his television career in 1977, taking on the role of Gen. Treillard's Aide-de-Camp in The Duellists.
In 1980, he portrayed the Bank Vice President in The Dogs of War.
His versatility as an actor was demonstrated through various roles, including his portrayal of Lord Lucan in Escape.
In Poirot, Mathews took on the role of Gerald Lowen, starring alongside David Suchet who played the iconic fictional private investigator.
His appearance in Inspector Morse came in 1992, where he portrayed a pathologist in the detective series.
The Bill saw Mathews feature in multiple episodes between 1990 and 1993, starring as different characters named Cosgrove and Farquharson during the show's successful run.
The police drama became a mainstay of British television during its 26-year run, though plans for its rumoured return have not yet materialised.
Mathews' extensive television credits included appearances in One Foot in The Grave, Scandal, Dance With A Stranger, and Winston Churchill: The Wilderness Years.
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He also featured in Play For Today, Hale and Pace, Small World and First Among Equals, showcasing his range across different genres.
His final screen appearance came in 1997, playing the role of Sheridan in Pilgrims Rest.
Following the announcement of his death, tributes have been shared online, marking the end of a career that spanned more than 20 years in British television.
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