Michael Keating, the actor best known for playing Vila Restal in the sci-fi series Blake's 7 and Reverend Stevens in EastEnders, has died at the age of 79.
The London-born actor appeared in the BBC soap from 2005 to 2017. He also had roles in Yes Minister, Casualty, Midsomer Murders, and Doctor Who, as well as voicing multiple Doctor Who audio dramas for Big Finish.
Keating was the only cast member to appear in all 52 episodes of Blake's 7, playing the roguish thief Vila Restal from 1978 to 1981. He later reprised the role in audio series produced by Big Finish.
Producer Peter Anghelides said: 'What a joy it was to work with Michael. His cheery presence on studio days was always most welcome.'
On stage, Keating appeared in Alan Bleasdale's 1985 play Are You Lonesome Tonight, about Elvis Presley, at the Phoenix Theatre in London's West End.
Tributes have been paid by fans and former colleagues. Cult Edge, publisher of Blake's 7 books, wrote on X: 'So terribly sad to hear reports that we've lost Michael Keating. What a loss, and what a wonderful man.'
