Sky News host posted."A brilliant actor who was a staple on our screens throughout the 70s and 80s. Loved The Sweeney. Loved Minder more.
He was 74."My apologies for using the incorrect first name for Dennis in a previous tweet which I have deleted."Dennis died on Sunday afternoon with his wife Pam by his side.A statement released by his family said: "We are deeply saddened to announce that our beloved Dennis passed away very peacefully at his home in Spain.""The family kindly ask that our privacy is respected at this very difficult time," it went on.Twitter has been flooded with tributes from fans and fellow celebrities since the sad news broke."I think everyone loved Minder when I was a kid," said actor Matthew Marsden, adding: "RIP a British Icon."Bake Off presenter Matt Lucas posted a message on Twitter saying that he grew up watching Dennis's "iconic" performances in The Sweeney and Minder. "His guest appearance in our Little Britain Live show at Hammersmith Apollo - in which he hilariously duetted with David's absurd impersonation of him - remains the absolute highlight of my career," said the TV star.Actor Reece Shearsmith tweeted: "RIP Dennis Waterman.
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