Blake's 7, Doctor Who and Emmerdale actor Paul Darrow has died aged 78

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Paul Darrow in Blake's 7
(Image credit: Press Association Images)

Paul played Avon in sci-fi classic Blake's 7

Blake's 7 actor Paul Darrow has died aged 78 following a short illness.

Paul also played Emmerdale's Eddy Fox, who was a friend of Alan Turner, for a short while in 2009, and had an early stint in the soap as a character called Patrick back in 1991.

Paul as Eddie Fox in Emmerdale, who was an old friend of Alan Turner'

Paul as Eddie Fox in Emmerdale, who was an old friend of Alan Turner's (pic: ITV/REX/Shutterstock)

However he’s best known for his part as computer genius Avon in classic BBC sci-fi hit Blake's 7, which ran from 1978 to 1981.

Paul more recently worked for JACKfm in Oxfordshire, who said on Twitter: “Shocked and saddened to announce this news today. We’ve lost a true gent – the iconic voice of JACK. We’re still taking it in. Thanks for everything, Paul Darrow.”

The Surrey-born actor appeared in a string of classic shows during the 1960s and 1970s including Emergency-Ward 10, Z Cars and Dixon of Dock Green. He also made many appearances in Doctor Who.

More recently his TV credits have included Law & Order: UK and Toast of London. Paul also enjoyed a small part in the 2002 James Bond film Die Another Day, which starred Pierce Brosnan as 007.

Main image of Paul Darrow in Blake's 7: Press Association Images.

David Hollingsworth
David Hollingsworth
Editor

David is the What To Watch Editor and has over 20 years of experience in television journalism. He is currently writing about the latest television and film news for What To Watch.

Before working for What To Watch, David spent many years working for TV Times magazine, interviewing some of television's most famous stars including Hollywood actor Kiefer Sutherland, singer Lionel Richie and wildlife legend Sir David Attenborough. 

David started out as a writer for TV Times before becoming the title's deputy features editor and then features editor. During his time on TV Times, David also helped run the annual TV Times Awards. David is a huge Death in Paradise fan, although he's still failed to solve a case before the show's detective! He also loves James Bond and controversially thinks that Timothy Dalton was an excellent 007.

Other than watching and writing about telly, David loves playing cricket, going to the cinema, trying to improve his tennis and chasing about after his kids!