Tony Scannell death: The Bill and Flash Gordon actor dies aged 74

Scannell played DS Ted Roach for nine years on the long-running ITV police series

Tony Scannell, the Irish actor best known for his roles in The Bill and Flash Gordon, has died aged 74.

His death on Wednesday 27 May was confirmed by a friend, who posted a tribute on Facebook. The cause has not yet been announced.

In The Bill, Scannell played DS Ted Roach for nine years, from 1984 to 1993.

Actor Katy Manning wrote on Twitter: “another wonderful actor #TonyScannell best known for his superb portrayal of Ted Roach in #TheBill has gone on his awfully big adventure.”

“He was a gentle soul who I was lucky to work with on a film a few years ago. My heart goes out to his much loved family.”

Scannell was born in 1946 in Cork, Ireland, and served in the RAF on guard duty for five years before turning to acting.

He was originally cast in The Bill in 1984 for a two-episode guest appearance, but impressed the producers, who decided to keep him on.

Scannell would later reprise the role for two episodes of the ITV cop series in 2000.​

Scannell is survived by his partner, Agnes Lillis, and three adult children.