Blake's 7 actor Gareth Thomas dies aged 71

Actor Gareth Thomas, best known as the star of cult BBC sci-fi show Blake’s 7, has died at the age of 71 from heart failure.

His role in Terry Nation’s sci-fi drama drew up to 10 million viewers a week.

He was cast in the show in 1978 and stayed for two series, until he insisted his character be killed off to the dismay of fans. However, he returned for the show’s climactic final episode.

Official fan website Blake’s 7 Online called Thomas “a fine actor, a real gentleman and always generous to his many fans. He will be sorely missed by family, friends and fans alike.”

Born in Wales in 1945, Rada-trained Thomas made his acting debut in 1965, before taking small roles in well-known series such as The Avengers, Z Cars and Coronation Street.

Thomas’s other credits include London’s Burning, Heartbeat, Midsomer Murders and Doctor Who spin-off Torchwood.

He was also a seasoned stage actor, appearing in numerous Royal Shakespeare Company and English Shakespeare Company productions.

He returned to his role as Blake in 2012 in The Big Finish’s audio series Blake’s 7: The Liberator Chronicles.