Dudley Sutton, aka Lovejoy's Tinker, dead aged 85

Actor Dudley Sutton, known to millions as Tinker Dill from TV's Lovejoy, has died aged 85.

Christmas and Slade go together like holly and ivy. Not just the purveyors of inescapable hit Merry Xmas Everybody, but also the inmates of Slade Prison, who are still pretty much an annual fixture even though the last serving of Porridge was 35 years ago and there were only two festive helpings. This one from 1976 is rich in drama, character revelation and quotable lines, plus a terrific turn from Dudley Sutton as luckless trustee Reg Urwin. The pairing of wily old lag Fletcher and quaking warder Barrowclough remains a double act made in sitcom heaven.