VICAR of Dibley star John Bluthal has passed away aged 89, it has been confirmed.

The actor, who played Frank Pickle in the hit sitcom, died surrounded by his family on Thursday night.

5 John Bluthal, who played Frank Pickle in the Vicar of Dibley, has passed away Credit: BBC

5 The actor was aged 89 Credit: Rex Features

His agent said in a statement: "We’re sad to announce our wonderful client John Bluthal has passed away. Our thoughts are with his family at this time.

"John provided us all with years of laughter and entertainment. We will miss John hugely."

Vicar of Dibley writer and co-star Dawn French has led tributes to the star.

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

5 John, pictured in the sitcom second to the top right, passed away surrounded by his family Credit: Alamy

Tons of happy laughs remembered today. Cheeky, naughty, hilarious.

Bye darlin Bluey. pic.twitter.com/yy5TY4TeX5 — Dawn French (@Dawn_French) November 17, 2018

His cause of death is not yet known.

John played Frank in the comedy between 1994 and 2007 and was famed for his boring and endless stories.

In one storyline, he came out as gay on the radio - but discovered barely anyone had actually tuned in because they feared he would drone on too much.

John was born in Poland in 1929 and was forced to flee to Austria with his Jewish family in 1938 to escape the Nazis.

5 John appearing in Never Mind the Quality Feel the Width in 1970 Credit: Rex Features

5 The actor, appearing in The Saint, starred in a number of TV shows Credit: Rex Features

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He moved to England in 1956 where he began a glittering acting career - landing his first big role as Sid James in Citizen James in the 1960s.

John was well-known for his work with Spike Milligan in The Gladys Half-Hour and The Bed-Sitting Room.

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He also made several appearances in films such as The Beatles' movie A Hard Day's Night, Labyrinth and The Fifth Element.

The actor also starred in TV shows Last of the Summer Wine, 'Allo 'Allo, Jonathan Creek and One Foot in the Grave.

His last acting appearance was alongside Channing Tatum and George Clooney in Coen Brothers movie Hail! Caesar.