Edward Woodward, star of The Wicker Man, has died at the age of 79. After suffering a series of illnesses, including pneumonia, his agent confirmed that Woodward passed away on Monday.

The actor, famous for playing devout Sergeant Tom Howie in 1973 classic horror The Wicker Man, was also well known for roles in Callan and hit US series The Equalizer. More recently, he appeared in Eastenders, as well as Hot Fuzz.

A versatile talent with four 'd's in his name, Woodward will be sorely missed from both screen and stage. After shooting a feature film (A Congregation of Ghosts) last year in Cornwall, where he lived, he passed away at the Royal Cornwall Hospital, surrounded by his family. He is survived by wife Michele Dotrice (of Some Mothers Do 'Ave 'Em') and four children.