IAN LAVENDER, WHO played Private Frank Pike in the classic UK comedy series Dad’s Army, has died at the age of 77.

The actor, who was the last remaining main cast member from the BBC show set during the Second World War, died on Friday morning, his agent confirmed.

Hilary Gagan told the PA news agency Lavender had been ill for some time and that his wife and sons were by his side.

He is best known for playing the hapless Pike, who frequently had run-ins with Captain George Mainwaring (Arthur Lowe), calling him “stupid boy”, and who was looked after by Sergeant Arthur Wilson (John Le Mesurier).

Pike, the youngest member of the Home Guard troop and a bank clerk, would often refer to Wilson as Uncle Arthur as he was in a relationship with his overprotective mother Mavis Pike (Janet Davies).

In the Dad’s Army episode ‘The Deadly Attachment’, Lavender’s character was a key part of one of the most famous moments in the show, after Captain Mainwaring urges his young charge not to give his name to a German officer with the unforgettable line: “Don’t tell him, Pike!”

Arthur Lowe (foreground) and (back, left to right) John Le Mesurier, Clive Dunn, James Beck, John Laurie, Ian Lavender and Arnold Ridley, in a scene from one of the famous episodes of the Dad’s Army. Alamy Stock Photo Alamy Stock Photo

Lavender acted in other TV comedies such as Yes Minister, Keeping Up Appearances and Goodnight Sweetheart and in a Carry On film.

He also appeared on stage, including in The Merchant Of Venice with Dustin Hoffman, and as the narrator in a touring production of The Rocky Horror Show.

Lavender also played Derek Harkinson in BBC One soap EastEnders from 2001 to 2005.

He returned to Walford in 2016 but left in 2017 after he became ill with sepsis, having previously battled cancer and a heart attack.

In 2018, Lavender cleared up a long-standing mystery from Dad’s Army during an interview with the Radio Times.

When asking creator David Croft if Uncle Arthur was Pike’s father, Lavender said: “He looked at me and said, ‘Of course he is!’.”

BBC director of comedy Jon Petrie said: “Ian was a much-loved actor and will be sorely missed by all those who knew him.

“In his role of Private Pike, in Dad’s Army, he delivered some of the most iconic and loved moments in the history of British comedy. Our thoughts are with his family.”

He is survived by his wife, choreographer and stage director Michelle Hardy, and their sons Sam and Daniel.