Vicar Of Dibley actor Trevor Peacock dies aged 89 - star Dawn French leads tributes

Dawn French is leading tributes to The Vicar Of Dibley star Trevor Peacock, who has died aged 89 from a dementia-related illness.

"Night Trev. I love you," the star posted on Twitter along with a picture of herself sitting next to the actor, who played Jim Trott in the much-loved comedy series from its debut episode in 1994.

A member of Dibley Parish Council, his character was famous for his stock response of "No, no, no, no" and his frequent sexual references.

Peacock also made appearances in EastEnders, Jonathan Creek and sitcom My Family, and in 2007 starred in the film Fred Claus, opposite Vince Vaughn and Paul Giamatti, playing the father of Father Christmas.

A statement on behalf of his family, who had been raising funds for the Alzheimer's Society, said: "Trevor Peacock, actor, writer and song-writer, died aged 89 on the morning of March 8 from a dementia-related illness."

Paying tribute, his agents Scott Marshall Partners said on Twitter: "Remembering our wonderful client Trevor Peacock who died peacefully yesterday. A comic genius and one of the very best humans. We will miss him hugely."

TV channel Gold said the actor had "played Jim Trott so brilliantly in The Vicar of Dibley", while a tweet from the BBC Press Office said they were "saddened" to hear of his death.

The Alzhemier's Research UK charity also paid tribute, saying: "Everyone at Alzheimer's Research UK would like to send their condolences to his family, friends and many fans."

Peacock appeared in every episode of the BBC sitcom from 1994 to 2015, although missed the recent Christmas special.

He is the fifth major cast member from the series to die in recent years.

Only Fools And Horses star Roger Lloyd-Pack (who played Owen Newitt) died in 2014, while The Royle Family actress Liz Smith (Letitia Cropley) died in 2016. Emma Chambers (Alice Tinker) and John Bluthal (Frank Pickle) both died in 2018.

Born in Edmonton, north London, in 1931, Peacock started his TV career in the 1960s in the ITV Television Playhouse, Comedy Playhouse and The Wednesday Play.

He later played Rouault in Madame Bovary and Quilp in The Old Curiosity Shop, and also appeared in Dustin Hoffman's directorial debut Quartet, opposite Dame Maggie Smith and Sir Billy Connolly.

As well as acting, he was an accomplished songwriter, writing a number of hit songs including the 1960s track Mrs Brown, You've Got a Lovely Daughter, which was recorded by Herman's Hermits, and Mystery Girl, recorded by Jess Conrad - as well as the lyrics for a number of hits by The Vernons Girls.

He had a long relationship with the Royal Exchange theatre in Manchester and performed in several productions there. He also wrote a number of musicals, including Leaping Ginger (1977), Cinderella (1979), Class K (1985) and Jack And The Giant (1986).