Heartbeat actor Bill Maynard has died at the age of 89, his family has confirmed. Bill Maynard as Greengrass (PA)Jacqueline Reddin, who is also an actress, told the Press Association: “He was larger than life and he just loved showbiz. “He leaves a son and daughter, five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren.”Maynard’s real name was Walter Williams (Family handout)Maynard, whose real name was Walter Williams, chose his stage name as a reference to the sweet company, Ms Reddin said. With some of the cast of Heartbeat (Fiona Hanson/PA)In 1980 he played Sergeant Beetroot in the TV series Worzel Gummidge and more recently made appearances in The Royal and The Moorside. Maynard filmed an appearance on Pointless (Family handout/PA)In 2013 the actor celebrated 60 years since his first TV appearance by releasing a version of What A Wonderful World.

Source: Irish Examiner March 30, 2018 12:11 UTC