Brian McCardie, an actor best known in recent years for starring in the BBC drama Line of Duty and Time, has died at the age of 59.
His sister Sarah confirmed the news in a social media post on Instagram in which she said her brother died "suddenly".
Alongside a couple of snaps of her late brother, McCardie's sibling penned: "It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Brian James McCardie (59), beloved son, brother, uncle and dear friend to so many.
"Brian passed away suddenly at home on Sunday 28th April. A wonderful and passionate actor on stage and screen, Brian loved his work and touched many lives, and is gone much too soon.
"We love him and will miss him greatly; please remember Brian in your thoughts."
She signed off the post: "Funeral arrangements will be announced in the days ahead. As a family, we would ask for privacy at this time. #BrianMcCardie #RestInPeace #GoneButNeverForgotten #YNWA."
Brian McCardie starred opposite Sean Bean in the BBC drama Time
BBC
It didn't take long for floods of McCardie's fans to inundate the post with messages of condolences.
Author Irvine Welsh, who wrote the film Filth in which McCardie starred, wrote: "Sarah, just heard this terrible news. Sending my love to you and Martin and your family."
Elsewhere, Line of Duty creator Jed Mercurio and executive producer Simon Heath also released a statement.
They said: "Brian was an incredibly talented actor, and the lasting impact he had as Tommy Hunter is testament to the power of his performance.
"Off screen, Brian couldn't have been more different from the character he played - he was warm, funny and charming. Our thoughts are with his loved ones at this difficult time."
Fellow actor Richard Rankin, who starred opposite McCardie in Outlander, also showed his support in response to McCardie's sister's Instagram post.
He replied: "This is so sad. So sorry Sarah. Love to you and the family and my deepest condolences." (sic)
McCardie has been billed to appear in a new Outlander spin-off series Blood of My Blood. Production has begun but it hasn't been confirmed whether or not he will feature in the series.
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Brian McCardie has died aged 59
BBC
Time and Line of Duty were two of the biggest roles McCardie landed in recent years but his CV also boasts parts in several other well-known UK TV shows.
He also recently starred in the ITV dramas Six Four and Crime.
Other credits include Holby City, Outlander, For Those in Peril, Casualty, Taggart and The Damned United.
