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Actor Peter Bowles, famous for starring opposite Penelope Keith in BBC comedy series To the Manor Born, has died at the age of 85, his agent has confirmed.

He also appeared in films such as The Bank Job, Eyewitness and the Steal as well as TV shows including Victoria, Magnolia Street and Only When I Laugh.

The actor's agent said Bowles had "sadly passed away from cancer".

"He leaves his wife of over 60 years, Sue, and their three children Guy, Adam and Sasha."

The statement continued: "Starting his career at the Old Vic Theatre in 1956, he starred in 45 theatrical productions ending at the age of 81 in The Exorcist at the Phoenix Theatre.



"He worked consistently on stage and screen, becoming a household name on TV as the archetypal English gent in To The Manor Born, Only When I Laugh, The Bounder and Lytton's Diary, which he devised himself."

Columnist and presenter Piers Morgan said Bowles was a "wonderful actor who exuded roguish British charm.... sad news".

Bowles was best known for his role as Richard DeVere in To The Manor Born which aired from 1979 to 1981, starring as the self-made businessman alongside Dame Penelope Keith, with the pair reprising their roles in a 2007 special.

The show regularly attracted TV audiences of 20 million and became what Bowles was best known for.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-60777622