Actor and comedian Bobby Knutt has died.

He has been recently best known for his role as grandfather Eddie Dawson in ITV sitcom Benidorm (pictured).

Knutt died suddenly this morning whilst on holiday in the south of France.

Born Robert Wass in Sheffield, he rose to stardom as a comic in the hit entertainment series The Comedians in the 1970s, having turned professional at the age of 20. He was a keen musician and had also enjoyed success on the variety/cabaret circuit, until a medically-sustained injury stopped him playing guitar in 2012.

Knutt was last seen on screen in the ninth series of Benidorm, broadcast earlier this year. A tenth series has already completed filming, and is expected to be on screens early in 2018.

A staple of the northern club circuit, his TV work also included The Wheeltappers And Shunters Social Club, Marti, and the Frankie Howerd childrens' sitcom All Change. Outside of comedy he had appeared in Emmerdale and Coronation Street, and was a pantomime regular in his home city, appearing in at least 14 productions between Sheffield's Lyceum and Crucible theatres.

Benidorm creator and writer Derren Litten broke the news on Twitter this afternoon, saying: "Very sad Benidorm news guys. The wonderful Bobby Knutt has passed away suddenly aged 71. Sending our Beni love to his family."

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