Caption: Editorial use (Picture: ITV/REX) Heartbeat actor William Simons has died aged 78.

The actor, who was known for playing PC Alf Ventress in the ITV show, is believed to have passed away yesterday (21 June).

In a statement confirming his death, a representative told Metro.co.uk: ‘I confirm the extremely sad news that the actor William Simons has passed away.

‘He worked as an actor for six decades and was of course best known for his role of ‘Alf Ventress’ in the highly popular Heartbeat in which he appeared for eighteen series, and also Inspector Fox in Inspector Alleyn.




‘More importantly, he was the most wonderful, lovely, warm, kind human being and anybody who ever worked with him or knew him will be devastated.’

William Simons and Derek Fowlds (Picture: ITV/REX)

Simons played Alf Ventress across all 18 series of the ITV show, which spanned from 1992 to 2010.

The character was known for his grumpy personality, and even continued in the show as a civilian when he was forced to retire from the force.

William Simons was a staple of Heartbeat (Picture: ITV)

Simons is also known for starring in Coronation Street as a barrister, and had a role in Emmerdale in 1976.

He also played Patrick Malahide’s sidekick in the BBC’s Inspector Alleyn Mysteries, and also made appearances in Last Of The Summer Wine, Bergerac, Lovejoy, and The Darling Buds Of May.

Williams had an acting career spanning 60 years, after being a child actor from the age of eight.

Speaking about his role in Heartbeat in a historic interview, Simons said: ‘Heartbeat gave me enormous pleasure because everyone got along so well.

‘People still stop me to say how much they love watching the repeats.’

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