Actor Nicky Henson has died at the age of 74.
A statement from his family said: “Nicky Henson has died after a long disagreement with cancer.”
Oglivy wrote: “After an illness which started twenty years ago, and which was born with great fortitude and good humour, my oldest and dearest friend, my mate Nicky Henson, has gone.”
During his career, Henson performed as part of the Royal Shakespeare Company and in hit shows including Fawlty Towers and Downton Abbey and EastEnders.
Henson also appeared in Eastenders in 2006 – as Honey Edwards’s father Jack – as well as The Bill, Boon and Heartbeat, but he once joked that his tombstone would read: “Here lies Nicky Henson – he was in one episode of Fawlty Towers.”
Prior to appearing in the hit BBC sitcom, Henson had been friends with its lead star John Cleese.
His guest appearance saw him play a guest who got on the wrong side of Basil Fawlty by trying to sneak a woman into his room.
Henson was first diagnosed with cancer on Christmas Day 19 years ago, and said last year, “For the last 18 years, I’ve regarded myself as ‘being in extra time’, which I never expected to have, so I’m thankful for it.
