John Bluthal, the actor best known for playing Frank Pickle in The Vicar of Dibley, has died aged 89.

Bluthal played the secretary for the parish council in the popular show.

Dawn French led tributes to her former co-star, after his talent agency announced the news online.

"Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious. Bye darlin Bluey," the actress wrote on Twitter.

Bluthal also appeared in multiple Carry On films and in The Return of the Pink Panther, in a career in film and television that spanned almost six decades.

"We're sad to announce our wonderful client John Bluthal has passed away," talent agency The Agent's Partnership wrote in a statement.

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