Dad’s Army and EastEnders star Ian Lavender has died at the age of 77, it was announced today.
The news was broke by Dad’s Army’s official social media account at noon as they paid tribute to the last of the sitcom’s cast members.
The post read: ‘We are deeply saddened to hear the passing of the wonderful, Ian Lavender.
‘In what truly marks the end of an era, Ian was the last surviving member of the Dad’s Army main cast.’
Lavender, best known as the young Private Pike, was cast in the classic comedy series at the age of 22 in 1968.
Dad’s Army and EastEnders star Ian Lavender has died at the age of 77
Ian was cast as Private Pike, the only youthful member of the reserve force, who was often chided for his simplicity
Lavender, second from left, was a comedic stooge – frequently berated as ‘stupid boy’ by the troupe’s Captain Mainwairing, played by Arthur Lowe (centre)
The comedy actor became a household name, and starred in the series from 1968 to 1977
Ian was key to one of Dad’s Army’s funniest moments where he had performed a song that called Hiter a ‘twerp’ in front of German forces.
The Nazi captain says his name will also go on a list of people he will take revenge on.
Asked what it is, Captain Mainwaring urges ‘Don’t tell him, Pike’, accidentally revealing his name.
More follows