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Actor John Inman, best known for his role as the very camp shop assistant Mr Humphries in the long-running BBC comedy Are You Being Served? died yesterday.
Inman, 71, who later became a pantomime regular, was one of the sitcom's most memorable cast members and his catchphrase "I'm free" became part of popular culture.
In 1976, he was voted "Funniest Man On Television" by readers of the TV Times magazine and was also named BBC TV's Personality of the Year.
Inman died at St Mary's Hospital in London after having been ill for some time, said his manager, Phil Dale.
"John, through his character Mr Humphries of Are You Being Served? was known and loved throughout the world."
Inman's long-time partner, Ron Lynch, was "devastated" at the news, the BBC said.
Wendy Richard, who played Miss Brahms in the series, said she had been regularly visiting Inman, who was seriously ill with hepatitis A.
"You just have to regard it as being an end to his suffering," she said.
"I think John was one of the wittiest and most inventive actors I have ever worked with."
When Inman visited Auckland in 1978, gay rights activists picketed the Shoreline Cabaret in Takapuna where he was performing. They were upset at the stereotype of a homosexual he portrayed.
In 1987, again in Auckland, Inman endured a torrent of abuse while on stage as a celebrity guest at the Gofta film and television awards, which were broadcast live on TV.
He and fellow guest Leeza Gibbons reportedly blamed alcohol and boredom for the outbursts.
The event sparked a barrage of protest calls to TVNZ, the Herald and talkback radio.
Ironically, Richard pointed out the UK sitcom never said Mr Humphries was gay. "He was just a young man who was very, very good to his mother."
