Actor Michael Jayston dies aged 88

Actor Michael Jayston, who starred in shows such as Only Fools and Horses, Doctor Who and EastEnders, has died at the age of 88.

In a statement, M&M Famous Faces said on Monday:

“It is with great sadness, that I have been asked by his family to share the news, Michael Jayston sadly passed away this morning after a short illness. Those who knew Michael will know he was full of love, laughs and happiness. He adored meeting his fans all over the world.

“His family and friends would appreciate privacy at this time.”

Born in Nottingham in 1935, Jayston was educated at Becket Roman Catholic School and went on to study acting at the Guildhall School of Music and Drama in London. After graduating, he acted in numerous stage and television productions of Shakespeare plays.

Michael Jayston as Edward Rochester and Sorcha Cusack as Jane Eyre.

Jayston made a name for himself in the 1970s, starring in the historical film Nicholas and Alexandra (1971), which chronicled the end of the Russian Tsars. He was also part of the cast of the BBC’s Jane Eyre miniseries in 1973,.

In 1981, he appeared in the stage revival of The Sound of Music at the Apollo Victoria in London as Captain Von Trapp alongside Petula Clark as Maria.

Other credits include a 1996 episode of the classic BBC sitcom Only Fools and Horses as Raquel Turner’s father James; as Valeyard in Doctor Who in 1986; and as ex-pat Alistair who befriended Peggy Mitchell during four episodes of EastEnders set in Spain in 2002.

Jayston was married three times and is survived by his third wife Ann Smithson, who he wed in 1979 and shared daughter Katherine and son Richard.