HEARTBEAT actor Bill Maynard has died in hospital at the age of 89.

The actor played Claude Greengrass in the long-running ITV drama, which was filmed on the North York Moors and in Leeds. He was also known for playing Selwyn Froggitt in the 1970s, and appeared in a number of Carry On... and Confessions Of... films.

Mr Maynard's family confirmed on Friday that he had died in hospital in Leicestershire shortly after breaking his hip in a fall off his mobility scooter.

His daughter-in-law Jacqueline Reddin, who is also an actress, said: "He was larger than life and he just loved showbiz.

"He was so proud of the fact that he had been working for 81 years. He leaves a son and daughter, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren."

Mr Maynard's real name was Walter Williams, chose his stage name as a reference to the sweet company, and he had recently visited Ms Reddin in France.

Ms Reddin said he had also filmed an episode of the game show Pointless and was looking forward to watching it when it aired.