The Bill and Flash Gordon star Tony Scannell has died at the age of 74.

The Irish actor's cause of death has not yet been revealed, but his passing was confirmed by a friend, who posted a Facebook tribute on Wednesday.

Scannell - who found fame as DS Ted Roach on The Bill, playing the character for nine years until 1993 - is survived by his partner Agnes Lillis and three adult children. 






Sad news: Tony Scannell has died aged 74. The actor is best known for his role as DS Ted Roach on The Bill, playing him for nine years (pictured in 1988)




A Facebook tribute to the actor read: 'Damn, damn, damn! I've just learned from Mark Wingett of the passing of a wonderful actor and dear colleague of his.






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'Tony Scannell played a DS Ted Roach on The Bill for Nine years from 84-93. Any Episode that had him in it would have me fixated on the TV... 

'I had a very bad case of a young girl crush on Ted/Tony. He was a bit of alright in my books. (despite the fact he was literally three months younger than my Dad!)






Sad loss: Scannell (pictured in 2015) is survived by his partner Agnes Lillis and three adult children. His cause of death is unknown







Upsetting news: Scannell's passing was confirmed by a friend, who posted a Facebook tribute to the actor


'When Tony retired Ted in 1993 I was gutted! I developed a unreasoning dislike of the new DS John Bolton (Russell Boulter) and ground my teeth every time the 'holier than thou' Inspect Andrew Monroe (Colin Tarrant) who caused Ted to quit, came on the screen. I

'It took me more years than I care to admit (And meeting Russell, Mark and Hew Higginson) to rid myself of those daft feelings. 

'Ted was such a dynamic character, and although I never did get to meet him, Lạc Sơn Đại Phật I'm sure Tony was just as amazing... and his memory will be cherished by his loved ones and friends all.

'Vale Mr Scannell! And thank you!' 






One to watch: Scannell made his debut on The Bill in 1984 (pictured with Paul O'Grady, who played his informant Roxanne on the show in 1988) 


Scannell was born in Cork in 1945, and his father Tom was a professional goalkeeper who played for the Republic of Ireland.

Prior to acting, Tony served for five years on guard duty in the RAF.  

Scannell made his debut on The Bill in 1984, in an episode called A Friend in Need, and was only signed on for two episodes.

However, producers decided to keep him on, and he ended up as regular fixture on the show until 1993, returning for two episodes in 2000. 






Widowed: Tony is survived by his partner Agnes Lillis and three adult children




Speaking about his rise to fame previously, Scannell said: 'I thought I'd have to give up acting, as I never had much work, and my brother's father-in-law hired me as a salvage diver where I raised sunken boats.

'But I landed a role in Flash Gordon (1980), where I was an officer to the great Max von Sydow who played Emperor Ming. Just standing next to him scared the pants off me.

'Then I got an audition for The Bill and played Ted. He looked after himself, old people and the very young; the rest had better beware - that's how I played him.' 






Iconic: Scannell was also known for playing Ming's officer in Flash Gordon, a 1980 space opera film based on the comic book series


However, Tony admitted that he hated the popularity of the series, because of the impact it had on his every day life.

He explained: 'I'd come from nothing to needing a bodyguard when I went out to clubs. 

'It was the beginning of the end when I'd been given time off from The Bill but was asked to come in for some continuity scenes.'

Scannell was declared bankrupt in 2002, owing the Inland Revenue over £42,000 after a decade of partying and womanising.






Talented: Scannell was only signed on for two episodes of The Bill. However, producers decided to keep him on, and he ended up as regular fixture on the show until 1993


Discussing his fall from grace, he explained: 'I didn't have responsibilities then.

'I enjoyed myself every second of every day especially those I can remember. We worked hard and we played hard and I have to say I enjoyed every second of it.

'But I don't miss it. There was a time I needed it, I wanted it. I loved every nightclub and every woman, I was constantly in love with different women. 

'I loved all the limousines they sent to collect me and the parties and the awards parties.

'It happened for me later in life and I wanted to enjoy it. But I couldn't handle it. I lived and paid later, or rather I forgot about paying later.

'I could have gone out of mind thrown myself over a cliff. I had nothing. But what the hell, you can't take it with you.'  






 Bankrupt: Scannell was declared bankrupt in 2002, owing the Inland Revenue over £42,000 after a decade of partying and womanising (pictured in 1982)