Brian Glover dies in his sleep after fight against tumour

Brian Glover, one of Britain's best-loved actors, and the voice behind the Tetley Tea commercials, died peacefully in his sleep yesterday, aged 63. He had suffered a relapse in his fight against a brain tumour, his agent, Bruna Zanelli, said.

Saddened friends had thought he was on his way to recovery. "Just two weeks ago he was holding court and entertaining friends at his bedside," she said.

Glover (right), a former professional wrestler, was a familiar face after dozens of appearances on television, including Heslop in Porridge, Minder and Bottom.

His film appearances included Kes, Alien 3 and Leon The Pig Farmer, and he also did voice-overs for the Allinson's Bread commercials.

He had surgery for a brain tumour last September, but had made "a remarkable recovery" and went back to work on the film of John Godber's Up And Under.

Ms Zanelli said: "In May he suffered a setback and was returned to hospital for further treatment. "After several weeks it appeared he might be winning."

He leaves his wife of 21 years, Tara Prem, and a son Gus, 15, and from his first marriage to Elaine, a daughter, Maxine, and four grandchildren.

Glover's wife and son were with him when he died. They live in south London.

"It wasn't a shock, but we thought he had beaten this evil illness," his agent said. "He went very quietly at the end."

The actor had completed shooting on Up And Under, but had been due to go back to complete some dubbing this month.

John Godber had created the role as a retired Rugby League player specially for Glover. "He's terrific in it," the playwright said yesterday, adding that the film would be dedicated to Glover.

"I always wanted to make a film with Brian, and he was very supportive throughout, even though it took four years to get the finance to make it.

The film is set for release in the autumn.