[bots]

he Dad's Army actor Ian Lavender, who played Private Pike in the hit TV series, has died at the age of 77.

Birmingham-born Lavender was just 22 when he was cast as the guileless platoon member, in what was then a new BBC sitcom.

But it made him a household name, and he ended up spending 10 years as part of the comedy classic.

Lavender, who died on Friday, was the last surviving main cast member of the series.

Away from Dad's Army, he also acted in other TV comedies such as Yes Minister, and appeared on stage, including in The Merchant of Venice.

He also had a stint on EastEnders as Derek Harkinson, a role he reprised in 2016 for a festive storyline.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-68204488

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I always loved Dads Army and I think he was the last survivor of the cast

[Cherie]

aw he will be forever young because of his Private Pike persona, RIP

[AnnieK]

Aw, this was my Dad's favourite show.

Sad they are now all gone.

[joeysteele]

Private Pike.

One of the funniest characters in anything I've watched

Sad news
R.I.P.

[Ammi]

…there’s a Dad’s Army Museum in Norfolk, not too far from me…this was posted from their website…

[Gusto Brunt]

Originally Posted by AnnieK

Aw, this was my Dad's favourite show.

Sad they are now all gone.

Yes, he was the last remaining actor.

Fantastic how he was barely in his 20s when he got that role of Pike.

He managed to act so well and blend in alongside seasoned actors more than three times older than he was.

RIP.